SWAMPSCOTT — Kaarina Herlich, loving wife for 65 years of Joseph, who preceded her in death, and adoring mother of Jeffrey Herlich and Pamela Herlich, died peacefully on Sunday, March 20, 2016, after celebrating her 90th birthday with her family earlier in the week.
Kati, as she was known to everyone, was born to Hilja and Väinö Ahovuori in Helsinki, Finland on March 16, 1926. She had four brothers, Niilo, Ossi, Keijo and Unto who all preceded her in death.
The crowning achievement of Kati’s life was her 65-year marriage to Joe, the love of her life. They met on a blind date in Helsinki, Finland, in 1947 and were married in 1949 after a courtship conducted via airmail. She left her homeland and her family to make a life with Joe and raise their family in Lynn.
Kati and Joe moved to The Glen in Swampscott after she retired, where they made numerous close friends. Kati always looked forward to her Tai Chi classes at the Swampscott Senior Center and treasured the friends she made there and at GLSS (the Greater Lynn Senior Center).
Kati is survived by her son and daughter, Jeff and Pam, Jeff’s finance’, Mary Lorizio, her grandsons, Christopher and Alex Herlich, and her step-grandchildren, Matt and Danielle Lorizio.
In lieu of cards, donations may be made to The Home for Little Wanderers at www.thehome.org,?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Rosie’s Place at http://www.rosiesplace.org/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss or the charity of your choice.