Silja Lahtinen

She was born in Lumivaara, Karelia, Finland, on October 3, 1934 to Vaino and Katri Elisa Talikka. She was very proud of her Karelian roots. Silja graduated from University of Helsinki, Finland, with MA Degrees in Foreign Languages (Swedish and German) and Philosophy. She taught Swedish and German at Lahti Technical College, Finland, to engineering students. Later after relocating to the United States with her family; Silja continued her studies by obtaining her BFA Degree from Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, Georgia; and then MFA Degree in Fine Arts, from Hoffberger School of Painting in Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, Maryland. For years, she taught painting & etching at the Atlanta College of Art. She owned and operated Silja’s Fine Art Studio, and served as VP for Pentec International Inc. in Marietta, Georgia.

Painting and printmaking were her true passions which she practiced to the very end of her life filling studios in Georgia, Florida, Portugal and Finland. Over the years, her work was published in numerous art publications; and exhibited in many art shows in United States and Europe. She was especially proud of having her work being represented by Ward-Nasse Gallery, NY; Artist’s Heaven Gallery, FL; University of Sorbonne, Paris, France; and enjoyed preparing for her annual summer shows in Finland, one being Taide Art Gallery, Helsinki. She was a member of Who’s Who in American Art; Women’s Caucus for Arts; along with many other professional Art Associations. She was an intellectual, multi-lingual, hardworking, highly educated- a true Renaissance woman.

In addition to her passion for art; Silja loved her family, especially her precious grandchildren. She was always ready to help, providing support and comfort all- with an incredible positive outlook on life. She had a unique ability to connect with people, was fun to be around, and everyone liked her. She was very spiritual; an avid reader & writer; surrounded herself by books, with an unwavering curiosity to learn. She also loved movies and a wide variety of music, from tangos to classical music, which she listened to while painting. She traveled extensively. She cherished nature- flowers, ocean, mountains; practiced meditation, spirituality, healthy and active lifestyle. Silja truly was a student of life. Once a newspaper described her as a “spring of creativity.” She leaves behind Legacy of strength, honesty, generosity, and kindness. Her large lifelong body of art work will be enjoyed forever.

She is survived by her loving husband Mr. Pentti K. Lahtinen of 53 years; Children Karoliina Reddish, Katriina Lahtinen and Antti Lahtinen (deceased); Grandchildren Savannah Reddish and Annabella Lahtinen; Sisters Mrs. Sirkka Barbour and Family, in New York, and Mrs. Kaarina Kahkipuro and Family, in Finland; as well as numerous friends and relatives both in the United States and abroad.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 3:00 pm, at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 4814 Paper Mill Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067. Phone 770-953-3193. The Family will receive friends at the Church at 2:30 pm. A small reception will follow ceremony. Memorial Art Show and service will be scheduled in Silja’s memory, July 2017 (date to be determined), in Ruovesi, Finland.

Those wishing to donate can do so in her memory to High Museum of Art, Atlanta; SCAD, Atlanta; or Georgia Council for the Arts.

To leave an online Condolences to the Family, please visit our website at hmpattersoncantonhill.com.