Fitchburg

Barbara F. Kaukoranta, 79
Mother, Grandmother, Great grandmother

Barbara Fanny Rautio (Watkins) Kaukoranta, of Fitchburg, passed away on
Saturday August 31, at UMASS Medical Center in Worcester after an
illness. Barbara was born January 25, 1934 in New York, N.Y. She was the
daughter of Ilma (Erie) Irja Pentinen and Eddy Rautio, step daughter of
Leslie L. Watkins.

Barbara graduated from Burbank Hospital School of Nursing in 1955.
Barbara is predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years Armas Isaki
Kaukoranta who passed away April 21, 2010. Barbara helped run the family
rental business while raising four children. She loved to paint and travel.
She was very active in the Finnish American Club of Saima, helped form
and danced with the Finnish folk dancers. She was an active member of
the Elm Street Congregational Church, where she sang in the choir for
many years.. In later years she enjoyed sharing art with the Leominster Art
Association.

Barbara leaves four children, Cindy M. Higgins and her husband Stephen
Higgins of Cary, NC; Carol Boudreau of Royalston, Gary E. Kaukoranta  and
his wife Dianne of Plymouth, MA; and Darlene E. Kaukoranta and her
husband David Nyberg of Yonkers, NY. Barbara also leaves six
grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and her beloved dog Cocoa.

Memorial services for Barbara will be held on Saturday September 14, at
2:00 P.M. in the Elm Street Congregational Church 264 Elm St.
Contributions in her name may be made to the Leominster Art Association
P.O. Box 643, Leominster, MA 01453. Bosk Funeral Home 85 Blossom St. Is
assisting the family. boskfuneralhome.com

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