Aila Tüülikki Ellerington (nee Dahlgren) was born and raised in Finland, a country she carried in her heart throughout her life. Gifted with a love of language, she spoke Finnish, English, Swedish, as well as some Thai and German.

While camping in Finland, she met the man who would become her husband and best friend, David. Despite his very limited Finnish, she was immediately drawn to him. After David returned home to England, the two continued writing letters to one another, and through those letters their friendship grew into a deep and lasting love. A year later, Aila travelled to England to visit him, where David proposed. They were married in Finland in 1965 and went on to share 60 wonderful years together.

Aila was a woman of remarkable creativity and talent. Whether she was cooking, baking, sewing, fashion design, crocheting, knitting, quilting, or gardening, she brought care, beauty, and dedication to everything she touched. She especially loved quilting and creating things for the people she loved. She also shared a love of adventure with David, and together they travelled and hiked extensively — even completing a trek to Everest.

Above all else, Aila cherished her family. She was kind, caring, strong, and deeply loved by all who knew her. Her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Aila is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, David Ellerington; her daughter, Stina (Ralph, predecessed) Lindenblatt; her son, Neil (Kimberly) Ellerington; her five grandchildren, Michelle-Ashley, Scott (Toni), Anton, Stefanie and Anja; and her two great-grandchildren, Maximus and Sophia.