WESTFORD, MA — The longest goodbye occurs between people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. It is with great sadness that the children of Aune Whitehair announce their mother said her final goodbye on January 18, 2020.
Born in 1933, daughter of the late Sulo and Eva Marie Ahola, she was lovingly raised by her father and stepmother Rauha Harju Ahola, in Fitchburg, MA. Aune graduated from Fitchburg High School, then Boston University’s Sargent College, proudly receiving a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Married to Jay C. Whitehair, Jr. in 1955, they settled in Hanover, NH. Aune raised her family, encouraging them to always be active participants in life and to be kind to others.
Aune had many dear friends while residing in Hanover, NH, Boothbay, ME, Newmarket, NH, and Lebanon, NH. She was a piano player, potter, sailor, kayaker and lifelong learner. She loved traveling, especially to Maine and Rockport, MA. Aune’s life was defined by the Finnish word “Sisu,” meaning courage, resilience and bravery. During her years living with Alzheimer’s, her love for family and her joyful personality continued to shine through. She danced to life and then danced some more.
Predeceased by her husband Jay, Aune leaves behind three children, Deborah Whitehair, Heidi Whitehair (Skip Rouleau), and Jay Whitehair III (Beth Phillips-Whitehair); her grandchildren Ebben and Bria; brother Bernard (Beverly) Ahola and family; and sister Carol (Louis) Cuervo and family.
Aune’s family thanks the staff at Bridges of Epoch, Westford, for their loving and loyal care.
Aune and Jay will be laid to rest together at Pine Knoll Cemetery. A date for a springtime burial for both Jay and Aune will be announced closer to the date. Donations in honor of Aune would be gratefully accepted by the Alzheimer’s Association of MA/NH or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.