Aira was born in Teuva, Finland on February 18th, 1937 to Toivo and Linnea Hakala. She lived in Teuva until moving to the United States at the age of 21 to marry the love of her life. Aira wed Osmo Puistolahti, on November 1st, 1958 in DeKalb, Illinois where they first made their home. Later the adoring couple moved to Gurnee where they raised their only son, Juhani.
Aira knew how to throw a party. Her smile lit up a room, and her laughter was contagious. She had many dear friends that were as close to her as family. She loved to bake and garden, and showed her love by feeding everyone that came for a quick visit or a holiday meal. Our hearts are heavy.
She was preceded in death by her husband Osmo and brother, Antti Hakala.
She is survived by her son, Juhani (Ann) of Gurnee, IL, 2 grandchildren, Randy and Matti and her two sisters Aulikki Clark and Anne (Jukka) Kohtala, and their large family in Finland.