Maija Leena Julkunen's Obituary
Maija Leena Julkunen, a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 15, 2026.
Leena was born in Kuopio, Finland on May 20, 1937, to Vilho and Paula Miettinen. Her earliest years were shaped by the hardships of wartime. She often spoke of running to bomb shelters, remembering how her mother bravely turned the terrifying experience into a game to shield her daughters from the harsh realities of war. Those early years were a testament to resilience, spent navigating brutal winters and scarce resources—sometimes even subsisting on birch bark soaked in water for nutrients. As she grew older, she shared memories of breaking through the ice to rinse laundry as spring approached, recalling the stinging ache in her and her sister’s hands as they completed chores in the bitter Finnish cold.
At the age of 19, Leena married Antti Olavi "Ollie" Julkunen, and they began building their life together in Kuopio. While their family was still young, missionaries introduced them to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Embracing a profound leap of faith, Leena and Ollie made the courageous decision to move their young family to Utah.
They settled in Utah County, where they welcomed two more sons to complete their family of six. Though Leena initially struggled with homesickness, a new language, and unfamiliar customs, she persevered. Over the decades, she and Ollie wove a vibrant community around themselves through their church, employment, and neighborly love—bringing a warm piece of Finland into the high desert of Utah.
While Ollie became a well-known figure in the world of athletics, Leena was the indispensable anchor at home. She famously hosted countless Sunday dinners for some of the most prominent international athletes of the 20th century. Though she wasn’t on the track or field, her open doors, fierce support, and nurturing spirit played a quiet but vital role in elevating young athletes to the world stage.
Later in life, Leena truly shone in her role as "Grandma." She transformed her home into a safe, joyful sanctuary for her grandchildren. Sundays and holidays were forever filled with laughter, affection, and extraordinary food. She kept her Finnish heritage alive through her cooking, and her family constantly looked forward to the traditional Finnish treats she lovingly prepared. To step into Leena’s home was to be unconditionally loved and exceptionally well-fed.
Leena was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Antti Olavi Julkunen, and her parents, Vilho and Paula Miettinen. She leaves behind a rich legacy of love and resilience, survived by her sister, Eila; her four sons, Juha, Matti, Harry, and Mark; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the East Lawn Cemetery, located at 4800 Timpview Drive, Provo, Utah 84604.
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