Signe J. (Engstrom) Havumaki

HARTFORD, CT - Signe J. (Engstrom) Havumaki, passed away on Tuesday, December 6 2016, in Cheshire, CT in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Samuel Havumaki. Dear mother of Glenn Havumaki (Sandra) of Wallingford, CT and Bruce Havumaki of Boston, MA. Cherished grandmother of Katrina Pandiscia (David), Sten Havumaki (Lauren), Erik Havumaki (Kayla), Benjamin Havumaki, and Joshua Havumaki (Alice). Great-grandmother to Jacob, Julia, Benjamin, Nathan, Oscar, Clara, and June. Loving sister to John Johnson, Harold Engstrom, and Helen Belanger, all deceased. Signe was born in Hartford, CT on September 22, 1924. At the age of 2, because of the sudden death of her father, she was sent to live with her aunt, Sophia Berg, in Gardner, MA until her mother could “get back on her feet”. Signe and Sophia bonded, partly because Sophia had lost her own baby girl in childbirth around the time Signe was born. Sophia became a second mother to Signe. Signe did not leave the house in Gardner until 77 years later when she moved to Elim Park Place in Cheshire, CT in 2003. She worked at Gardner State Hospital and at North Central Human Services, retiring in 1983. Signe was very active in her church, Bethany Baptist. She was the church clerk, a deaconess, and participated in several committees. She remained a member of the church until her death. Family members speak often of her faith, strength, and humor. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., December 10, 2016 at Bethany Baptist Church, 72 Ryan St, Gardner, MA. Calling hours will be at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bethany Baptist Church. To view the online guest book or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner, MA is directing arrangements