Mrs. Paula Haapoja of Hoffman Estates

Paula A. Haapoja of Hoffman Estates passed away of natural causes on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at her home. She was born April 6, 1948 in Springfield, MO, the daughter of the late Paul Keller and the late Martha (nee Sullivan) Keller. She graduated from Forest View High School and attended Monmouth and Harper College as well as the University of Illinois. After college Paula held several jobs in sales. Prior to retirement, she was employed for twenty years at WRMN Radio Station as a shopping show coordinator. As she loved to shop, she was a perfect fit for the job. There she made many friends and was beloved by other employees and well known in the Elgin community. She had been married to her loving husband, Michael, for nearly fifty years. Together, they traveled extensively throughout the world, and would return to family and friends with interesting stories about beautiful destinations and different cultures. Paula had a special love for Paris having visited “The City of Lights” twelve times. Their home is filled with art, pillows and other memorabilia reflecting places they traveled. Paula also loved visiting Prague, Sorento and Rome, returning home with rosaries and medals blessed by the pope. Ocean cruises were also enjoyed by Paula and she was often called upon to lend her expertise to others as they considered various cruise options. Paula was known to be a kind and generous person and always enjoyed family events. Having been an only child, she enjoyed being part of a large family and was especially fond of her mother-in-law. Her warm presence will be missed by friends and family alike. She was predeceased by her parents and parents-in-law, Arthur and Maryann Haapoja and niece, Renee Mayerle. Paula is survived by her loving husband, Michael. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Nancy (Alan) Harju of Buffalo Grove; Deborah (Robert) Mayerle, of Bristol; Patricia Griffith of Mount Prospect; and Judith Haapoja of Mount Prospect. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Arthur, jr. of Mount Prospect; David (Irene) of Oakwood Hills; and Thomas (Lisa) of Dekalb, IL. She also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews; Jason (Andrea) Mayerle, Blake(Melek) Mayerle, Aaron Mayerle, Michael (Jennifer) Griffith, Shaun(Cameron) Griffith, Allison Harju, Mark Harju, Mary Haapoja and great-nieces, Lauren Mayerle, Piper, Cassidy and Violet Griffith. Family and friends are asked to meet at Memory Gardens Cemetery on Wednesday, August 4th at 11:00 A.M. for a funeral followed by a luncheon.

Mrs. Paula Haapoja of Hoffman Estates

April 6, 1948 - June 17, 2021