Obituary of Lois Marie Perala

Lois Marie (Paaso) Perala, beloved mother, grandmother, GG, partner and friend, departed just after midnight, September 16, pulled finally by energy of a Super September moon. Lois, name meaning “Superior”, was born on November 28, 1935 to George and Senia Paaso in Duluth, Minnesota. Her father was born in Finland & her mother came from Finnish immigrants. Mom learned “Sisu” from a young age. Her love of life, family and determination to live followed her to the end, leaving a lasting impact on all the people who knew and loved her vibrant spirit.

She grew up in Duluth and attended Duluth Central High School until she married James Perala on Dec 13, 1952. Lois and Jim raised 5 children, residing mostly in Duluth Heights. Lois was a proud homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, gardening and decorating. She loved and cherished her family, especially time with them at the cabin.

Lois loved people and all life had to offer. She enjoyed snowmobiling with friends, country dancing, Homemakers Club, the Red Hat Society, the Lois club, camping, fishing, berry picking and partridge hunting. She and Jim enjoyed 10 years of retirement, traveling in their RV and spending summers at the cabin. More recently, she traveled with family to Austria, Finland, China and New Zealand.

Lois spent her last 18 years in Apache Junction, Arizona, with Tom and their beloved Shih tzu’s, Annabella and Lulu. She will be missed by her many friends in the park who so enriched her life. Mom enjoyed water aerobics, shuffleboard, Bingo and cards, remaining active until a stroke debilitated her on March 3, 2024. She spent her last months at the Beehive Home of Duluth with her family nearby.

Lois’s greatest wish and highest achievement was to be a mother. She met that goal with grace, good humor, and abundant love for her children, their spouses and their children. Mom spread love wherever she went. She recently told the nurses and aides how much she appreciated their help and that she loved them and without fail, it brightened their day. She spread good cheer and warm, fuzzy vibes with her twinkling blue eyes and snowy white curls. How we love and miss her!

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; brother Floyd Paaso; husband of 50 years, James Walter Perala; partner of 18 years, Thomas Clarke; and infant great grandson, Oliver Schlemmer. She is survived by her five children: Rebecca (Bill) Aho, Tim (Kathy), Tom, Susan Perala-Dewey (Brad Dewey) and Ted (Cindy); 10 grandchildren: Angelica Hatch (Ryan), Zach Aho (Julie), Merritt Aho (Stacie), Brandon Aho, Courtney Aho, Lindsay Schlemmer (James), Lanee Jensen (Christian), Sam Aho (Erin), James Perala-Dewey, Jeffrey Perala-Dewey, and 12 great grandchildren.

Per Lois’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Northland Adaptive Recreation. A private family gathering will take place summer 2025. Special thanks to Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospice care team and many caring & devoted aides, nurses, therapists, activity leaders, volunteers, wheelchair angels and residents where mom spent her last 4 months.