OWLS HEAD — Elvi Ruitta Hudson, 98, passed away Sunday Sept. 22, 2019 at the Sussman House after a brief illness.

Elvi was born July 16, 1921 in Fitchburg, MA, to Finnish immigrant parents, Antto and Hilma Ruitta. Later the family moved to Warren where they built an old family style farm.

As there were not any boys in the family, Elvi had to take on the role of ‘farm boy.’ Her father had to fasten a stick to their horse, Peter, so she would be able to lead while her father plowed or used the cultivator.

Although she was unable to speak English when starting school, Elvi went on to graduate from Union High school in 1937 at the age of 15. She then moved to Boston to attend ‘Hair Dresser’ school.

While working in the Boston area she met the love of her life, Charles Hudson. They married in August of 1944 when Charlie was between tours in the Pacific. After the war was over the couple moved to West Rockport to operate a family egg farm. There they welcomed three children in to the family, Lynda, Larry, and Lance.

They moved to Owl’s Head in 1960 seeking better educational opportunities for their children.

Elvi was involved in the Rockland Booster Club, whether helping with a fundraiser or sending a bag of whoopie pies for the team bus. She often had a car full of kids heading back to Owl’s Head after practices.

Around her home she would often be seen working in one of her flower gardens or vegetable patch. Inside, Elvi would be cooking, sewing, knitting, or masterful letter writing. It was very, very rare for her to do nothing. When she was in motion it always was at a fast past. Friends of her kids would say was she was always doing ‘wind sprints.’

Elvi liked to travel and she embodied the Finnish concept of ‘Sisu,’ described as a stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery and resilience. She took a trip to Finland with sister Eila to explore the area where their parents had lived and to meet never seen kin. She and her sister Eini explored the country by road trip in Eini’s pickup truck. There was a little excitement when a bear took Eini’s briefcase while they were camping in back of the truck. The briefcase was later found decorated with teeth holes. It was determined that the Twinkies located within was the aim (a good thing) of the bear.

Elvi returned to West Rockport in 2015 to live with her son Larry in his home until her passing.

Predeceased by husband Charlie, daughter Lynda, sister Eila and brother-in-law, Pete Leach; Elvi is survived by her sons, Larry of West Rockport, Lance of Portland; sister Eini Johnson of Phoenix AZ; grandchildren, James (Angela) Salisbury of Hawaii, Karen (Casey) Rietz of Colorado, Michelane (Rick) Johnson of Hudson, FL, Stephen Cole of Warren, and Michelle (Derek) Kuryliw of Port Richey, FL.

The family would like to thank the ‘Beach Ladies’ Jane, Joanna, Kaye, Mary and Mike, as well as Kermit and George. With their kindness, help, love and watchful eyes, Elvi was able to stay in her own home for a longer period of time. Priceless.

Elvi did not want a funeral. If you wish to memorialize her, plant a flower, help somebody in need, have a sit down dinner with family and friends, or make somebody laugh.

To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.