Mildred “Millie” Jarvimaki, 81, passed away on Aug. 12, 2009 in Coupeville.

She was born on Sept. 4, 1927 in Duluth, Minn. to Melvin and Lena (Haugen) Anderson, one of five children.

Millie worked part-time as a bookkeeper while her children were in school and was the perfect homemaker, where her Scandinavian roots shone brightly. There was always something tasty baking in the oven, and the pot of coffee was always on in the event someone dropped by for a visit.

She loved music. She enjoyed playing the piano (by ear) and she was often heard singing or humming as she went through her day. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing cards and feeding applesauce sandwiches to the deer at her island home.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son Jeffrey; husband of 55 years, Arnold; grand-dog Katie and sisters Ruby Tannehill and LeVina Carlson. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Jarvimaki of Seattle; sister Marie (Chet) Anderson of Aurora, Minn. and brother Floyd (Judy) Anderson of Laporte, Minn.; along with cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Many thanks go out to the wonderful nurses in the SCU at Careage of Whidbey and to hospice for taking such good care of her.