7th Finglish trip August 2008 #3
Hilda Kaihlanen (1919-2013) nee. Ross, shortened from the Finnish name Rossi, wife of the late Lauri Kaihlanen, of Lanesville. She was born in Folly Cove, Gloucester, the daughter of Lydia Ross nee. Runsala and Henry Ross. Henry was a stonemason at the granite quarry and Lydia was a maid for wealthy families.
Hilda was a well known artist for most of her life, creating colorful paintings of local scenes. She also created many paintings using her imagination. They were loved by many who had collections of her painting worldwide. She started to paint at old age in 1970. Before that she worked as a cleaning lady and maid.
Her son Lauri have a gallery on Bearskin Neck in Rockport, the Kaihlanen Gallery. Hilda
spent many years tending the gallery. Her husband, Lauri and Hilda were a great team. Hilda
painted and Lauri matted and framed her paintings. She was very proud of her Finnish-American heritage.
Hilda's son Lauri Kaihlanen is also a well known painter. In wintertime he paints and in summertime he tends the Kaihlanen Gallery.
Next Patricia Ktistes Glouchester Massachusetts USA.