Asta Kaarina Federici

Asta was born on October 26, 1932 in Lumivaara, Finland. During the outbreak of the “Winter War” with Russia in November 1939, a young Asta and her family fled their beloved hometown, which was located on the war’s frontline. They eventually relocated further inland and north to the small town of Alavus, Finland. Asta emigrated alone to the United States at the age of 28, and through her sponsor landed a domestic help job for the Rockefeller Family. As she acclimated to life in America, she quickly began learning the English language, earning her New York hairdresser’s license in 1962 and her citizenship. She shared a small Bronx, New York apartment with some of her Finnish compatriots and Saima, Martha, Helena, and Marietta became her best friends for life.

As the story goes, she eventually wanted a driver’s license and met her future husband Vic, who was her driver’s education instructor. Asta failed her initial driver’s test but nevertheless married her charming driving instructor (despite the license setback). Asta and Vic tied the knot and moved to Jackson Heights, Queens, where the marriage yielded 4 children in five years. In 1971, with their fourth child on the way they decided to move from their 2 bedroom apartment in Queens and sought greener pastures in the Garden State, living first in Ramsey, then Sparta, and ultimately in their present house in Hampton.

Over the years, Asta found herself a partner in her husband’s unconventional business pursuits, including ownership of the Rock Oak Lodge German Restaurant in Sparta, and selling specialty coffee out of her basement, and crafting doormats recycled from used rubber tires. After her children were grown, Asta worked outside the home at the Andover Nursing home and at the James Alexander Company. She was also a volunteer for the Sussex County Meals on Wheels program.

Asta’s Scandinavian roots fostered a lifelong love of the outdoors. No matter the season, she could be found outside planting in the Spring, weeding in the Summer, raking in the Fall, and shoveling in the Winter. She was an avid gardener, and her summer garden boasted large crops of potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, and an enviable display of flowers to greet guests from April through November. Her work ethic rivaled those 50 years younger. In fact, this ingrained Finnish “Sisu” mindset allowed her to work tirelessly in the backyard less than two weeks from her passing, raking leaves and sweeping the patio as part of her vigorous outdoor routine. To keep her Finnish traditions alive, Asta created rugs on a large Finnish loom in her basement. A Finnish sauna was constructed and many the summer partygoer would find themselves going from the intense heat to a brisk jump in the backyard pool. Asta hosted all the family celebrations. She was happy to open her home to extended family here and abroad. She loved going to her grandchildrens’ games and performances. Asta also enjoyed traveling with her friends, and wouldn’t miss a roadtrip with the original “Finnish girls”, to the casinos, Maine, Florida and other beautiful places across the country.

In quiet moments, she would be found sipping her coffee, working on the most recent puzzle, or knitting in her chair. Her warm smile, silent strength and comforting presence in these quiet moments, are what will be missed most by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband Vito (Vic) Federici of Hampton Township, New Jersey, children Kristin Colitti and husband Mario; Karin Philhower and husband Stephen; Kevin Federici and wife Heather; Kenneth Federici and partner Renee; stepson Michael Federici; sister Anneli Oksala of Finland; grandchildren Morgan; Tessa; Hannah; Liam; Aiden; Daniel; Caroline; Ashleigh; and great grandson Braycen; as well as many beloved nephews and nieces from the United States and Finland.

Asta was predeceased by her father and mother, Matti and Saara (Kuismin) Julku, and her brother Viljo Julku.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Asta's memory to a charity of your choice.