Irja Elizabeth “Irene” Kallio, of Canal Fulton, OH, formerly of Conneaut, OH, died August 6, 2017, in Canton, OH. She was born August 15, 1920, in Conneaut to Matti and Hilmi (Saarniemi) Kangas. 

            Irene graduated in 1938 from Rowe High School and married Waino Kallio in Erie, PA, in June, 1938.  While her children were young, she was active as a Girl Scout Leader, 4-H Leader, and local and County P.T.A.  When her oldest child graduated, she went to Kent State Ashtabula and after two years, obtained a cadet teaching certificate.  She started teaching fifth grade and Dean Avenue School while completing her degree at Kent State, graduating with honors.  She continued to teach fifth grade in Conneaut until she moved to Florida when her husband Waino retired in 1972.  

            She became active in New Port Richey Finnish American Club becoming a life member for her service.  She was active in church and enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles.

            In 2004 she returned to Ohio to live with her daughter and son-in-law.  She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

            She was preceded in death by her parents; a son Wayne John; her husband Waino Kallio in 1982; brother Oivo Kangas of Florida and Raymond Kangas of IN.

            Survivors include her son Raymond and Paula Kallio of Barberton, OH; her daughter Irene and John Motter of Canal Fulton, OH; her brother Richard (Peggy) Kangas of Lynn Haven, FL; five grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

            Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 10, 2017, at the Marcy Funeral Home, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, OH, with Pastor Patrick J. Van De Motter of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church officiating.  Burial will follow in East Conneaut Cemetery.

            Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from Noon until the time of the service at 1:00. 

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be direct to the Barberton Salvation Army, 560 Wooster Rd. W., Barberton, OH 44203, or to Fairview Grace United Methodist Church for music ministry, 22420 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

            Please sign the guestbook at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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