There are condolences waiting approval on Barbara's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Barbara Ann Somero
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Barbara.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Barbara Ann Somero
Barbara Ann (Pakkala) Somero passed into eternity on March 16th, 2017, at Harbor Grace Hospice Center in Atlanta, GA, after a brief illness.
Barbara was born July 26th, 1941, in Sayre, PA, to Alexander and Lily (Tiikkala) Pakkala of Ithaca, NY, and spent her childhood in Ithaca. She graduated from Ithaca High School and continued on to Auburn Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. After attending for a year, she took a break from her studies and worked as a lab technician at the Veterinary Virus Research Institute at Cornell University in Ithaca. Soon thereafter she met David Walter Somero of Southfield, MI and they fell in love. David and Barbara were married on September 29, 1962. After living briefly in New York, they moved to New Ipswich, NH, where they have resided for the past 54 years. Barbara was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing hymns. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, entertaining guests at their home, and traveling. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and many other countries, most recently to Finland - the birthplace of her mother.
Barbara was also an ardent supporter of her husband's business endeavors and a sincere helpmeet as he provided for their family.
Barbara professed faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of New Ipswich, NH.
She is survived by her husband, David, of 54 years; four daughters, Katherine (Rick) Rhoades of Battle Ground, WA, Kristine (Tracy) Matson of Sophia, NC, Sarah (Paul) Karlsen of Hockinson, WA, and Sonja (Scott) Honkala of Lake Placid, FL; and four sons, Nathan (Connie) Somero and David (Myra) Somero of New Ipswich, NH, Calvin Somero of Yacolt, WA (Kelly) and Niel (Krissa) Somero of Chassell, MI; 53 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; her brother Branden (Kathy) Pakkala of New Ipswich, NH; brothers-in-law, Jim (Tikey) Somero of Ashburnham, MA, Walter Aho and Paul (Jayne) Somero of New Ipswich, NH; sisters-in-law, Barb (Jim) Maunu of Vancouver, WA, and Beth (Orval) Wirkkala of Cokato, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends from all over the world.
Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter Elaine, her parents, her mother- and father-in-law, Walter and Ina Mae Somero, her sister-in-law, Karen Aho and granddaughter, Maila Matson.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March, 26, 2017, from 3 to 6 PM at the Apostolic Lutheran Church, 117 Goen Road, New Ipswich, NH, followed by Funeral Services on Monday, March 27, 2017, at 2PM at the Apostolic Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Cedar Crest Center for Children with Disabilities, 91 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH, 03431.
