Lempi E. Hannaford

Lempi E. (Saaranen) Hannaford, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 at White Oaks Assisted Living Facility, Manchester, CT. Lempi was born on June 12, 1935 in Fibre, Michigan, to the late William and Hilja (Malaska) Saaranen.
She was a long time resident of Vernon where she raised her family along with her husband, the late Richard F. Hannaford. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She worked as a home health care aide and enjoyed taking care of others. She loved doing ceramics, working with dollhouses and miniatures as well as participating in craft shows. Lempi loved to entertain and host holiday parties for her family, friends and neighbors. She enjoyed cooking and baking but most of all watching the UCONN Girls' & Boys' Basketball teams.
You knew better that to interrupt Lempi during a UCONN game! She was an active member of Vernon United Methodist Church and enjoyed Bible Study and being a part of the annual Apple Festival. She also took pride in hosting monthly suppers at the church.
Lempi is survived by her daughters Janice Hannaford of Deming, New Mexico and Viola McNickle of Moosup, CT, son Alan Hannaford and his partner, Linda Cambareri of Ellington, CT, sister Anita and brother-in-law Donald Evans of Mansfield, CT, brother-in-law Michael (Melanie) Hannaford of Windsor Locks, sister-in-law Kristen Hannaford Baker of Windsor Locks, grandchildren Tim (Amanda) Rood of Kennebunk, Maine, Dawn Rood (Detlef Windgasse) of Germany, Clarissa Diggins of Tilton, New Hampshire, great grandchildren Saskia, Rika, Carson and Natalie as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lempi was preceded in death by her sisters Mildred Aho and Helmi Seppa, her brother Doug Saaranen and sister-in-law Sharon Hannaford Bourke. The family would like to publicly express their gratitude to Caregiving by Kathy and the dedicated and loving caregivers - Judy., Alicia and Camille that made Lempi's life comfortable and gratifying until her passing.
A Celebration of Lempi's life will be held at Vernon United Methodist Church, 401 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, on Thursday, April 10th at 10 a.m. Internment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, 41 Elm Hill Road, Talcottville. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com