Mary Joberg (Kolkka) Tischofer

Mary Joberg Tischofer , 94, of Colchester, and formerly of Lebanon, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Complete Care at Harrington Court in Colchester. Born July 7, 1928 in Kallola, Finland; she was a daughter of the late Väinö and Katri (Kokko) Kolkka. Mary Worked in the medical field with the Red Cross while living in Finland.  She emigrated to America in 1948. Soon after arriving, she met and then married Helge Joberg in 1950. They shared 29 years together before he predeceased her in in 1979.  Eight years later, Mary met Russell Tischofer. They were married on May 6, 1989 and the couple lived in Salem, later wintering in Lake Worth, FL and summering in Salem, CT.  Russell predeceased her on March 9, 2013.  Mary was an active member of the Lions Club while living in Florida.  She achieved one of the highest awards, a Melvin Jones Fellow for her volunteer work with the Lions. Mary was also a teacher of arts and crafts at the German Club, where her work was more a labor of love. She was an extremely talented seamstress who could look at something and create it beautifully.  She would knit and crochet up to the very end of her days and she made beautiful baby outfits for all her grandchildren. Most importantly, Mary was a homemaker, taking pride in her home and lovingly caring for her family.  She will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by her daughters, Kirsti (Robert) Stennett of Colchester, Kris (Mark) Lonardelli of Lebanon; seven grandchildren, who always lovingly called her “Mummo” Saara, Lisa, David, Matthew, Zachary, Nicole, Lacey; five great grandchildren, Emma, Luke, Tessa, Allie, and Harper; three surviving of 13 siblings, Irja, Raija, and Kirsti; and numerous extended family and friends. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was predeceased by two daughters, Karin Ruffo and Kristina Joberg.  Funeral services will be held at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester with calling hours on Thursday, March 9th from 4 – 7 PM.  Calling hours will resume again on Friday, March 10th at 11:30 AM followed by a funeral service at 12 noon at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich.  Donations in her memory may be made to the Lions Club of one’s choice  To sign the online guest book or share a memory of Mary, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com 

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