Paula Helena Luoma

Paula Helena Luoma (née Haapanen) passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on March 21, 2026, in Venice, Florida.

Born on December 18, 1930, in Vampula, Finland, Paula was the older daughter of Lempi and Aatto Haapanen. At the age of 17, she emigrated to the United States, sponsored by her aunt and uncle, Vappu Maria and John Salminen, who owned a chicken farm in New Castle County, Delaware. She married Paul Luoma, Sr. in 1950, with whom she raised their four children, before moving to Florida in 1978, where she lived the rest of her life.

She valued hard work, independence, and practicality above all else. With little formal education, she was highly skilled with her hands and mind. She learned enough about construction and design to take an active role in building the family home and carried those practical skills into many aspects of her life.

While raising her family, she was active in the Delaware Valley Finnish-American community and enjoyed attending Finnish dances, where she formed many close friendships. After her children entered school, she worked for many years as a seamstress in the apparel industry, later becoming a couture seamstress in Florida. She kept her professional-quality sewing machine close throughout her life, using it not only for clothing but also to make her own custom drapes and upholstery.

In her retirement, she enjoyed car camping and road trips across the country with friends. She especially loved driving through mountain landscapes. When not traveling, she maintained a home where family and guests were always welcome, especially during holiday visits to nearby Florida beaches.

She is survived by her four children: Ellen Ullrick (John), Paul Luoma, Jr. (Joanne), Wayne Luoma (Gena), and Ann Luoma Hopson; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Paula’s life was one of quiet strength, steady work, and a commitment to living on her own terms.

A Celebration of Life will be held at her son Paul’s home in Ashburn, Virginia, on August 8.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics Florida.