Condolences
Joann Carol Laitinen Hall, 76, of New York, N.Y., and St. Petersburg, Fla., died on Nov. 10, 2018, at Arden Courts Memory Care Center in Seminole, Fla. Joann graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit, attended Wayne University until one semester from graduation, then—on the strength of a great cultural experience in Norway during an American Field Service year—moved to New York City to be on staff at AFS. After 18 years there she then served as Executive Assistant to five national directors of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. She was preceded in death by her parents, Finn Campers Uno and Elsie Laitinen, and her sister, Barbara. Survivors include her husband, David R. Hall of St. Petersburg, and her brother-in-law James Ahnemiller and his daughter Janice Finney and his sons Jason Ahnemiller, Craig Ahnemiller, and their families. Joann was an active member of her local United Methodist churches and volunteered all her life in activities involving international families. She was an avid knitter, gardener, book club member, traveler, and caregiver.
Joann loved Finn Camp and her “Pikku Tuppa” (tiny cabin) there. Her grandfather John Laitinen was a founder of the D.F.C.S.C.A. Contributions in her memory can be made to Finn Camp at www.finncamp.org. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 26, 2019, at First United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg, Fla., at 11:00 a.m. Anyone considering attending, however tentatively, is encouraged to be in touch with David (see contact information below) by December 1, to help in securing rooms in nearby hotels. (Some financial assistance may be available to help defray your lodging cost.) You can reach David at davidrandallhall@gmail.com or text or call to 917 204-6494.
Jazz saxophonist, Juli Wood, debuts as Finlandia Foundation National’s Performer of the Year 2018-19 at the Finn Camp on Saturday, September 1, at 7pm. A guitarist will join Juli on the stage, making this an extraordinary evening of jazz. Juli received the prestigious POY award for her transformation of traditional Finnish songs into contemporary jazz tunes. Juli has played in jazz clubs and festivals in Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit (Cliff Bells), Stockholm, Denmark and at the world-famous Pori Jazz Festival in Finland. The Finn Camp Cultural Committee and the Finlandia Foundation of Michigan are co-sponsoring this event. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
