Edwin E. Kaarela

Attorney Edwin Eino Kaarela, 96, of Westminster passed away on February 29, 2024.

He was born in Fitchburg on February 14, 1928 to Eino and Elsa Kaarela. Ed was predeceased in 2013 by his loving wife, Janice Shirley (Wuth) Kaarela. Over the course of their marriage of nearly 60 years, Ed and Jan shared many adventures and fond memories together. After graduating from Tufts University, Ed enlisted in the Navy just in time for the end of World War II. After his service, Ed graduated from Boston University Law School and started a successful law practice, Kaarela and Kaarela, in Fitchburg.

Ed was a modern renaissance man with keen and unyielding interests in the arts, music, science, and writing. He composed operas, painted portraits, published poetry, and produced many wines from his Westminster vineyard, some vintages better than others. Ed was extremely proud of his Finnish heritage and served for many years as the Finnish Consulate in Fitchburg.

In addition to his wife, Janice, Ed was predeceased by his son, Attorney Edson E. Kaarela, and his best friends, Dr. Robert Rossi and Fred Smith. Ed leaves behind his two daughters, Lisa J. Kaarela of Tampa, FL and Kahren S. Hayward of Nobleboro, ME; three grandsons, Taylor K. Hayward of Westminster, Erik K. Hayward of Falmouth, ME, and Kaari K. Hayward of Upton; and three great-grandchildren, Rylee J. Hayward, Mackenna Hayward, and Roy Hayward, all of Upton.

In lieu of flowers donations in Edwin’s memory may be made to the Finnish Center at Saima Park at the following address: FCSP PO Box 30 Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.