Viola E. (Mason) Karvonen

GARDNER – Viola E. (Mason) Karvonen, 93, formerly of 21 Lennon Street, Gardner, died peacefully Thursday evening, October 11th  in Baldwinville Nursing Home, Baldwinville.

She was born in Holden, MA on January 17, 1919, daughter of the late Zarah W. and Elizabeth (Eastman) Mason and lived in Winchendon from 1946 until moving to Gardner in 1981.  She lived in Gardner until recently, when she moved to Fitchburg.

Vi was very involved with civic organizations.  She was a member of the former North Congregational Church and past president of its Ladies Benevolent Society.  She was a former member of Winchendon Historical Society and Winchendon Women’s Club and past matron and former secretary of Faith Chapter Order of Eastern Star.  Vi was also past grand warder of Grand Chapter of Massachusetts Order of Eastern Star and past grand representative of New Mexico Order of Eastern Star.  Vi also was a past matron of Jessamine Chapter Order of Eastern Star in Gardner and a member of the former Gardner Women’s Club.

Vi was a very loving lady, who gave generously of herself to many causes.  She was very crafty and enjoyed making crewel and would knit for babies.  At one time she owned her own ceramic studio and had worked previously at New Hampshire Ball Bearing in Peterborough, NH.  She will be missed by her many friends and family members.

Her husband, Sulo J. Karvonen, died in 1998.  She leaves three sons, Robert O. Karvonen and his wife Muriel of Edgewater, FL, Edwin M. Karvonen of St. Cloud, FL and Richard M. Karvonen and his wife Eha of Winchendon; one daughter, Elizabeth I. Maliska and her husband Thomas of Steilacoom, WA; eleven grandchildren, Shirlee Walker of Newburg, IN, Thomas Maliska  Jr  of Olympia, WA, John Maliska of Winchendon  Ma, Mary Beth Oberson,  of Maple Grove, MN, Jennifer Warwick of  Lakewood, WA, Nanci Willits of Port Grove, FL, Judi Innis, of  Locust Grove, GA, Mark Karvonen of  Poscassett, MA, Tracy Medeiros of Bourne, MA, Jill Field of Winchendon, MA and Jessica Purtz of Kississime, FL; 25 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

In keeping with her wishes, funeral services and burial will be private.  There are no calling hours.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements

www.stone-ladeau.com

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