MONSON- Salli Lalya Loviisa Vainio, 97, died Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at the home of her son in Enfield. She was born in Monson, July 27, 1912, daughter of Vicktor and Sandra (Alexander) Brander.

As an infant she returned to Finland with her mother and four other sisters, and worked on a farm as a child to earn her food and clothing. Later as a teen she became a waitress in Kotimaki, Finland, then after World War II, returned to Monson to reunite with her father. Sally was very proud of her family farm in Monson and her Finnish heritage. She was a strong willed, determined, and hardworking woman who had lots of "Sissu". She will be remembered for her direct and friendly approach, her Finnish flat bread, and countless selfless acts.

She loved her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, and was very proud of them; she will be sadly missed by them.

She is predeceased by a son, William Vainio who died as an infant, and her ex-husband, Veikko Vainio who died in 1992.

She is survived by a son, Eric and his wife, Linda of Enfield; three grandchildren, David, Christopher, and Brandon; and two great grandchildren, Bryce and Reed.

At Sally's request, a private family gathering will be held to remember her life.

Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford.