November 1938 to April 2020 Celebrating a Full Life
Born to a police officer and a nurse, Karin Anita Dahla entered the world in Vaasa, Finland on November 25, 1938.
She endured poverty, a war, and the tragic death of her mother before immigrating to America with her father and brother.
She celebrated her thirteenth birthday on the Queen Elizabeth! They settled in Eureka where she grew up on B street, got her first job at Daly’s department store, was active at Runeberg Hall and was a cheerleader at Eureka High. She met her future husband, Ronald Siemens, at Humboldt State University and graduated from San Jose State University.
She taught third grade until the birth of her first daughter, Lori. A second daughter, Kristi, arrived two years later and Karin embraced her role as a devoted wife, mother and homemaker the remainder of her life.
The spouse of an IBMer, Karin moved with her husband from Southern California to Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia. Everywhere she lived, Karin made wonderful friends and she made a point of keeping in touch with all of them.
She eventually returned to California and settled happily into their home in Danville. During those 33 years in Danville, Karin was very involved with the lives of her four grandsons, nourishing her friendships, volunteering, playing tennis, partaking in many community activities, traveling, and cheering for her beloved SF Giants.
Later, she developed a passion for line dancing and yoga. Each year she hosted a traditional Scandinavian Christmas Eve.
She was known for her ever-growing collection of heartshaped rocks, penchant for ladybugs and pigs, ability to spell any word that came her way, and fondness for dark chocolate .
Karin will be remembered for her sparkly and energetic personality, thoughtfulness, and sisu (a Finnish word for strength and determination.)
She made the world a brighter, better place with her warm and welcoming smile, unconditional kindness and unwavering support. Above all, she deeply cherished her family and friends both in the U.S and in Scandinavia. It is comforting to envision her reuniting with those loved ones who went before her as we fondly remember the many positive and loving ways she touched our lives.
If she could impart her favorite words of wisdom, she would remind us to follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. She would also encourage us to live in the moment because today is a gift. She embraced this philosophy by finding the simple joys around her and appreciating the times she spent with others.