Elizabeth Koitto

Elizabeth passed August 11, 2022, and Reino passed March 11, 2024, both at home with their family in Orlando, Florida. Liz was born August 18, 1936, in Ludlow, Vermont, to Leonard “Leo” and Matilda Carlson. She was raised in Ludlow and graduated from Black River High School in 1955. She married Reino on April 21, 1956. After their children were in school, Liz worked at the Vermont National Bank before she became a Lister with the Town of Ludlow. She remained a Lister for several years until she left the position to start her own business, Koitto Real Estate Appraisal Services, which she ran until her retirement in 1996. She also served as a Property Valuation Hearing Officer for the Vermont Department of Taxes/Property Valuation & Review for many years. Liz was active in the United Church of Ludlow serving on the Executive Board and as Chairman of the Education Committee. She was also the Girl Scout leader for many years. In 1982, Liz and Reino moved to North Clarendon. Liz enjoyed helping others and volunteered with RSVP in Rutland for several years. In 2001, they moved to Orlando to be closer to their daughter, Nancy. Following their move to Florida, Liz remained active playing cards and dominos, cooking for the Golden Agers group, participating in the Red Hatters group, and leading the sewing group until she developed wet macular degeneration and could no longer see very well. She underwent monthly injections in both eyes for over seven years to attempt to maintain as much sight as possible. She enjoyed, among other things, baking, crocheting, crafting, working in her flower garden, going to the theater, going to Sea World, and traveling. Reino was born May 4, 1931, in Mount Holly, Vermont, to John and Tilda Koitto. He was raised in Mount Holly and completed the 8th grade. He worked the family farm until he joined the United States Air Force on May 31, 1950. He served with the 809th Supply Squadron out of MacDill Air Force Base during the Korean War, and earned the Korean Campaign Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on May 30, 1954, and returned to Vermont. He worked at the Springfield Country Club, National Survey Company, and as a carpenter with Tucker Construction before becoming employed at General Electric where he stayed until his retirement in 1992. He was very proud of the fact that he quickly moved up the ranks and became a toolmaker with an 8th grade education. In his spare time, Reino enjoyed being in the outdoors, working in the woods as well as hunting and fishing. Following their move to Florida, Reino was one of the early members of the Chuluota Sportsmen Club where he went shooting at the gun range almost every week until about a month prior to his death. Reino and Elizabeth are survived by their son and daughter-in-law, Reino and Joanna Koitto, of Orlando; daughter, Nancy Koitto, of Orlando; Florida, nieces, Beth Oconitrillo (Gerardo), and Karen Caime (Jim); nephew, Donald Koitto; three grandchildren, Dawn Geiser-Cesh, Chris Geiser (Jenny), and Roy Geiser (Nancy); six great-grandchildren and relatives in Finland, Sweden, Australia, and Canada. Reino is predeceased by his sisters, Helmi “Penny” Butler and Daisey Victory, his brother, Arveed Koitto, and half-sister, Signe Seppanen. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Chester, Vermont, at a later date. Donations can be made in their names to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, American Heart Association, or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Arrangements are under the care of Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. located at 135 N Lime Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237. 941-365-1767 www.gendronfuneralhome.com

Elizabeth Koitto

August 18, 1936 - August 11, 2022