Elna V. Hermans

Colonie -- Elna Vicktoria (Wahlstrom) Hermans, 103, passed away peacefully at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital on Sunday, July 4, 2010. Elna was born February 28, 1907 to the late John and Maria (Blomkvist) Wahlstrom in Overmark, Finland, a town in the Swedish-speaking region of Finland. Elna was educated in Finland and had acquired many creative and artistic skills in dressmaking, knitting, crocheting, tapestry and weaving. She emigrated to the United States (New York City) in 1929 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen several years later. Elna had resided in the Albany area for the past thirty years. Previously, she was a resident of New York City and Wappingers Falls, New York. Elna was predeceased by her late husband of over 65 years, Bruno Hermans.
Elna is the beloved mother of H. Garrett Hermanson of Colonie, New York, and three loving grandchildren, Dr. Christopher (Clea) Hermanson of Santa Cruz, California, attorney Sean G. (Sandra) Hermanson of Temecula, California, and Rebecca (David) Stricos of Niskayuna. Also surviving are four great grand-children, Sofia, Dylan, Oliver and Devin. She also is survived by her cherished daughters-in-law, Donna Madigan and Joanna Gordon Hermanson (California), and several nieces and nephews, of whom Rene was dearly loved.
Elna was predeceased by six brothers and three sisters, Waldemar Wahlstrom (Michigan), John C. Wahlstrom (Rochester, NY), Teodor Walstrom (Staten Island, NY), Birger Wahlstrom (Aland, Finland), Arthur Wahlstrom (Finland), Hemming Wahlstrom (Overmark, Finland), Julia (Charles) Carlson (Lake Worth, Florida), Signe (Christian) Nelson (Colonie, NY) and Hilda "Ellen" (William) Baer (Laguna Hills, California).
Elna was a member of the Order of Runeberg bowling league when she resided in Wappingers Falls and enjoyed watching televised bowling tournaments every season, including the one just past. She was a wonderful cook, baker and horticulturist. Her homes were always landscaped with beautiful flowers. She had an excellent memory and a cheerful personality her entire life. She was a gracious, kind and caring person who embraced life from beginning to end. Elna had countless friends during her lifetime, including many from her childhood home in Finland. Elna displayed great courage and determination in dealing with personal challenges. She will also be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. Elna took great pride in her independence and would insist on doing many tasks herself; She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
Funeral services will be held privately at the request of her family and will be followed by interment at Memory's Garden in Colonie, New York. Elna's family wishes to express their gratitude to the many caring persons of the Community Hospice of Albany and the Hospice Inn who gave assistance and much comfort to Elna in her final days.