Iria Helen Large

Iria Helen Large Resident of San Leandro 1913- 2008 Iria was born December 25, 1913 in Lovisa, Finland and passed away November 13, 2008 in Castro Valley, CA. Preceded in death by her husband Stanley A. Large, her parents Amanda and Henry Toikko, her sisters Ella Randall, Annie Shade and Vieno Hillo. She is survived by her daughter Lyn and her husband Jimmie Hooker, her son Don and his wife Cindy Large. Surviving grandchildren are: Jeffery, Gregory, Marina, Veronica, Eric and Sterling Large; James, Mike and Brian Garza and Jennifer Hooker along with 12 great-grandchildren. Foremost for Iria was her love and concern for her family. She loved nature and gardening, kept physically active and mentally alert with games like the N.Y. Times crossword puzzles, scrabble and contract bridge. She was a great dancer and loved music - especially classical. A good cook, she taught her family culinary skills that led to professional culinary careers for two grandsons, she cherished education. Iria was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as a Relief Society president in the Lakeport, CA ward and a temple worker in the Seattle WA temple, a primary teacher and her favorite calling - a visiting teacher. She worked professionally as an executive Secretary for the Alameda Naval Air Station during World War II, Kaiser Aircraft, the David D. Bohannon Corp. and Kaiser Steel in the newly opened Kaiser Center. She rode Bart on its maiden run. Fiercely patriotic, she especially loved Independence Day. Iria was so proud of the family and world events that spanned Women's Suffrage to the 2008 election. She spent the last eight years living at Oakdale Heights and Valley Pointe Rehab in San Leandro. She was well-cared for and loved by the staff and residents of both facilities. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 13901 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro, CA. The interment will be at Peaceful Hill Cemetery Naselle, WA next to her husband and other family members. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Legion; Veteran's of Foreign Wars and the Disabled Veterans. Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in charge of local arrangements.