Miriam (Risner) Hukkala was born on

Feb. 2, 1930 in Trout Creek, Mich. to Jacob and Hanna Hukkala.

She was the 13th of 13 children, eight sisters and four brothers, all of whom preceded her in death.

She was proud of her Finnish heritage, and had a collection of Finnish quips she would often tell.

Moving to Southern California in her early 20s, she met and was married to R. Dean Risner for 25 years. They raised their family — Karen, Susan and Robert — in Anaheim.

She worked for the Magnolia School District, and upon her retirement in 1991 moved to Whidbey Island.

Miriam built and lived in her dream house in Langley, which brought her joy, as it became the gathering place for many family events.

She attended Trinity Lutheran Church, where she made everyone there her family. Thursday was quilting day with the ladies, and often Friday mornings she spent pricing for the annual holiday bazaar.

Miriam was a loving mother to three children: daughters Karen and husband Greg Mead, and Susan and husband Bob Herzberg, and son Robert and wife Vicki Risner.

She was a wonderful Mummu (Finnish for grandmother) to her grandchildren: Jeremy and Keren Herzberg, Ben and Sara Mead, Josh Herzberg, Andrea Mead and Kevin Van Houten, Jacob Herzberg, David and Breezy Mead, Stephanie Risner and Daniel Risner; and to her great-grandchildren Kara Mead-Volz, Hanna, Ethan and Aria Mead.

She passed peacefully from this life on Oct. 30, 2010. Her memory will be treasured and celebrated, and her love will live in our hearts forever.

The service for those wishing to honor her life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland.

Friends and family members may view an online obituary and sign the guestbook at www.visserfuneralhome.com