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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Florence “Flo” Evelyn Sorvala (née Mattila), residing in Phoenix, AZ, peacefully passed away in the evening of February 14, 2024.
Flo was born on February 18, 1940 in Calumet, Michigan to her late parents Felix & Emily (Heikkinen) Mattila. She grew up on a small farm in Traprock Valley and attended church in Calumet. She graduated from Lake Linden High School in 1958
On Saturday, August 29, 1959, Flo married Robert “Bob” Jerry Sorvala. They moved to California, where they lived for 19 years, with a brief stint in Detroit. Five of their six children were born in California. In 1978 they moved to Arizona where their sixth child was born. They moved back to Michigan with their youngest son in 1994. In their retirement years, they became snowbirds traveling between Michigan and Arizona in their motorhome, with short stays in Alabama. Flo always looked forward to going to Michigan, her happy place.
Flo was a seamstress, a homemaker, security guard, jewelry maker, realtor, artist, secretary, collector of unique and darling collections, a walking encyclopedia of sorts. Most importantly, Flo desired to raise her children in living faith and in a safe home.
Flo absolutely loved walking along a sandy beach at the water’s edge. She was known for her artistic abilities in paintings and sewing, as well as her numerous and unique collections. Most importantly, she desired to remain as a child of God, looking forward to hearing the gospel personally preached to her during visits with believers. God has called her to her eternal rest in heaven and she will be missed by family and friends!
Flo is survived by her 6 children; Rory (Roxanne) Sorvala, Rodrick (Mary) Sorvala, Alynn Sorvala, Jacob (Elizabeth) Sorvala, Johan Sorvala, & Swen (Sarah) Sorvala, 31 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 1 sibling; Lois (Weldy) Gaulin, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Flo was preceding in death by her husband Bob, parents Felix & Emily (Heikkinen), siblings; Betty (Wily) Anderson, Harvey (Betty) Mattila, Fred (Mary Lou) Mattila, Barb (Joe) Reilly, and Lenore (Roy) Bonini, grandchild Kalina Sorvala, great-grandchildren Bridget Sorvala and Trevor Sorvala.
