Eila T Kelley

FITCHBURG- Eila (Uusitalo) Kelley, 91, died in Fitchburg on November 4, 2022. The youngest of ten children, Eila was born on January 11,1931 in Toholampi, Finland to Josua and Ida (Herlevi) Uusitalo.  She was educated in a Finnish home economics program and became an expert in baking, crocheting, knitting, and weaving. She was also an avid cross-country skier and race walker in Finland.

Eila emigrated to the United States in 1957 to assist in the care of her aunt and uncle, Tekla and William Wintturi of Westminster.   She became a vital asset to the family and was greatly loved by her Wintturi and Niemi American cousins.

Eila married Paul Kelley of Templeton in 1961 and moved to New Hampshire, where she and Paul lived until Paul retired from his college professorship. They built a home in Fitchburg and lived happily there until Paul’s death in 2011 and Eila’s passing on November 4.  Eila was a devoted wife, a talented homemaker and a serious gardener who remained physically active to the end of her life.  She exhibited a fiercely independent spirit, lived life on her own terms, and embodied Finnish sisu. 

Eila leaves a niece and three nephews in Finland and her Wintturi, Niemi and Eskelinen cousins in the United States.  At her request there will be no services.  Private burial will take place in the Kelley family lot at Greenlawn Cemetery in Templeton.

Eila’s family wish to thank Eila’s neighbor Sue Gates for her many years of friendship and assistance, and for her loving care to the very end.  

Rakas Eila, lepää nyt.