Obituary: Sandra L. Aittama

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Sandra Lee Aittama (Kukkonen), 70, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Hancock, MI, daughter of the late Edward Kukkonen.  A devoted mother, she is survived by her four children, Gary (Rebecca) Aittama of Coeur d’ Alene, ID, Susan (Peter Ruostala) Harry, South Range, MI, Amy (Laura Ward) Aittama, Ithaca, NY, Jodi (Brendan) Rauvala-Lukkari, Toivola, MI; six grandchildren, Scott (Jenna) Harry, Madison Aittama, Amber Aittama, Adelyn Aittama, Bay Aittama and Kai Aittama; and her great-grandchild, Theodore.  She is also survived by her siblings, Ester Nanville, Edward Kukkonen, Richard Kukkonen, Peggy (John) Pulkinen and Robert (Barb) Kukkonen.  Sandy was known affectionally by her friends as “Sandy the Dandy” because of her lighthearted teasing and infectious laugh.  Sandy was exceptionally attuned to the atmosphere around her and never missed a trick. Her engaging expressions complete with accompanying vocalizations were truly one of a kind and the fodder of many family stories.  You knew that you had entered her good graces when she started shooting you the occasional conspiratorial smile, a knowing look, or a quick roll of the eyes.  A creature of habit, Sandy found peace and joy in the small routines of life.  But, above all, her greatest gift was the constant and unceasing love she demonstrated for her family.   She never stopped to think about the difficulties of raising four children on her own, she just kept doing what had to be done.  This meant stocking the woodstove through the night, having supper on the table at 4:00 p.m. sharp, baking her delicious pasties and an endless litany of other tasks.  She didn’t hesitate to let her exasperation with the antics of her children be known, but her love for them was never in question, every night, she always made sure to say to each of them, “Goodnight.  Love you.  See you in the morning.” Please join us in celebrating the life of Sandra Aittama on November 1, 2022.  Visitation with the family from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Mountain View Mortuary, 14 7th Street, South Range, MI.  Graveside Service & Burial, 2:30 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery.  Dish to pass luncheon, immediately following services at South Range VFW, 2 Baltic Avenue, #4469, South Range, MI

To view Sandra’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.