Norma Elaine Furu, age 91, a longtime resident of Hoquiam, died on June 8, 2019, in Hoquiam, Washington. Norma was born on Sept. 4, 1927, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Dr. Wayne and Tyyne (Saari) Parpala. She was very proud of her Finnish heritage.
She was raised in Aberdeen and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1945. She then attended the University of Oregon, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1949.
Norma met Don Furu on the shore of Lake Quinault. One week after her graduation, on June 25, 1949, the couple was married.
She taught interior design at Grays Harbor College and worked for Kaufman Scroggs prior to devoting her time to raising her family. She would later work at Central and Emerson elementary schools as an educational assistant.
Norma was a charter member of Chapter DP, PEO; a member of the Mizpah Chapter Order of Eastern Star; Sons of Norway; Hoquiam Young Mother’s Club and the Crescent Orthopedic Guild.
She was very active in attending sporting events and programs in which her children and grandchildren participated.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Majel Boudia (Guy) of Olympia; two sons, Donald Furu and Dennis Furu both of Hoquiam; grandchildren, Matthew Boudia, Lauren Furu, Conner Furu and Zachary Furu; a sister-in-law, Lois Parpala; two nieces; one nephew and other relatives.
In addition to her husband Donald, she was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Furu; one brother, Dr. Wayne Parpala of Olympia and a sister, Nancy Markoff of Beaverton, Oregon.
The family would like to thank Westhaven Villa and Riverside Place for the excellent care that they gave to Norma.
Donations in Norma’s name may be sent to a PEO Scholarship, the Tyyne Parpala Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O 301 Karr Avenue, Hoquiam, WA 98550; or to the charity of the person’s choice.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 17, 2019, at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park. A celebration of life and a potluck will follow at the Hoquiam Elks from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 – 5th Street in Hoquiam.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
