Maryann Nurmi

We celebrate the life and legacy of Maryann Nurmi, who was born on October 13, 1932, in Otter River, MA. Maryann passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023, surrounded by those who cared deeply for her. Maryann was proud to say she called Otter River her home her entire life. She graduated from Templeton High School in 1950. She married Waino R. Nurmi in 1956 on her birthday (October 13) and quickly embraced the Finnish culture. They enjoyed family vacations in Ogunquit Maine and Saturday night dinners at local restaurants.

She thoroughly enjoyed her 40-year career at New England Telephone/ Verizon as a telephone operator and later a dispatcher. She retired in 1991. During retirement she shared how she loved her job and missed working. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.

Maryann enjoyed reading and word searches. In her younger years she braided rugs, visited gift shops, decorated ceramics and sewing. If you knew Maryann, you knew she loved the song, “You Are My Sunshine”, the color blue and coffee ice cream. She was always willing to help others and opened her home to family and friends.

Mostly, Maryann loved her family, as she doted on them with gifts, love and attention. She and Waino spent many hours at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech supporting her grandchildren.

She was the daughter of the late Edward and Catherine Laporte and the beloved wife of the late Waino R. Nurmi (2009). She leaves her daughter Martha A. deHahn and her husband Christofer of Yarmouth Port, MA and two grandchildren: Patrick deHahn of Brooklyn, NY and Jacob deHahn of Baltimore, MD. She is predeceased by her sister Ruth Saven (2019) and brother Edward Laporte (2014).

Maryann and her family will be forever grateful to Julie Brown and all of “Maryann’s Girls” for their love and care in the past few years.  

Memorial donations can be made to St. Martin's Church, 248 State Road, Otter River, MA 01436 and Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech, 45 Round Hill Road, Northampton, MA 01060 https://donate.clarkeschools.org/give/217360/#!/donation/checkout

We invite you to share your fondest memories of Maryann on her memorial page. Your stories and photos will serve as a beautiful tribute to her life and will provide comfort to those who miss her deeply. Maryann's story is not just a tale of dates and facts but of a life beautifully lived, a legacy lovingly left behind, and a woman who will forever be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and love.

Services for Maryann will be private.

Arrangements under the care of Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St. Gardner, MA 01440.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Director