Gladys V. Kujala

Gladys Kujala passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 18, 2024 at the age of 93 years old.

She was born in Angora, MN on September 4, 1930 to Victor and Impi (Oja) Salo.

Gladys spent her childhood in the Angora-Alango area, and had many fond memories of walking in the woods with her mother, picking wildflowers and blueberries. She was united in marriage to August Kujala on December 21, 1946. She moved with her family to Parkville, MN in the early 1950s; and lived there until her move to Virginia in 2013.

Gladys loved nature, animals, music and most of all, her family. She was actively involved in her children’s lives; serving in the PTA, Community Club, and Parkville Homemakers. She and August were frequent chaperones for athletics and band, and there were few times that they missed a game or a concert. They were regulars at football and basketball games, and concerts or school activities of any kind; for both their children and their grandchildren.

Proud of her Finnish heritage, she traveled to Finland to visit family still there, and hosted visitors from Finland on several occasions. She was the “go-to” source for all things Finnish…especially for translations and Finnish words. She served as the secretary for the Ladies of Kaleva for many years, and enjoyed the activities offered by the group.

Gladys and August enjoyed traveling and made many wonderful memories in Finland, Hawaii, Branson, Las Vegas, and Nashville; always bringing back mementos for family and friends.

She was fascinated by nature…by flowers, birds, and most of all dogs. She never met a dog that she didn’t love. She loved all children, and many considered her their extra grandma…always ready to give love and a smile. But Gladys loved her family most of all. All will remember her smile and her unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Edward; her beloved husband, August; daughter-in-law, Caroline; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her sons, Larry (Jane) Kujala and Clayton Kujala; grandchildren: Jake, Nick (Alicia), Kristen (Chad), and Meredith (Erin); and great-grandchildren: Emma, Claire, Paige, Mazie, Mack, Kendal, Addison, and Keegan.

Her family requests no flowers. If you would like to offer memorials for Gladys, her family asks that you make them to the charity of your choice in her honor.

We would especially like to thank the staff at Northern Pines Care Center in Aurora for the kind and compassionate care they gave to Gladys. She always commented on how wonderful her care was. Thank you.

There will be a Celebration of her Life held later this Spring.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gladys V. Kujala, please visit our floral store.