ALICE E. TUOMIVAARA (KAUPPILA)

     Alice E. (Kauppila) Tuomivaara, 82, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at New Pond Village in Walpole. Born and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of Lauri and Amy (Takala) Kauppila and had lived in Paxton for almost 50 years.

She was a graduate of Commerce High School and went on to work at Liberty Mutual Insurance and then as a bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Worcester Communications and Communications Electronics Service. It was however, her volunteer work of which she was most proud. Sometimes referring to herself as a “Volunteer Activist Crusader,” she was happiest when fighting for a cause or helping an underdog. For many years, she tutored ESL students through Literacy Volunteers and provided assistance to the blind. She also advocated for mental health issues as a chapter secretary for NAMI and as a member of Community Healthlink’s Human Rights Committee. She also found comfort in the Baha’i faith. A lifelong learner, Alice was always reading several books at once and would discuss what she learned each day with her book club friends, family and even strangers. In her retirement, she audited classes at Worcester State College and enjoyed keeping up with the latest news. Always curious and never at a loss for words, she could talk to anyone on any topic for hours. She also loved spending time by the ocean in Maine with her family and friends.

She will be missed and remembered by her daughter, Lisa Tuomivaara and her husband, David Lyons of Norwood; her son, David Tuomivaara of Gardner; her brother, David Kauppila of Jefferson; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Karl Tuomivaara, who passed away in 2005.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Alice’s family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20th with a remembrance service at 1 p.m. in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Burial will be private at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers the family request, “do a good deed for an underdog or give your time to someone in need”. Donations can also be made to NAMI Central MA, c/o 309 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01604, or Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, 3 Salem Square, Ste 332, Worcester, MA 01608.