Tarja Marjaliisa Doughman, a Sitka resident since 1984, died at her home here on Feb. 18, 2016. She was 77.
She was born in Kaustinen, Finland, to Erikki Matteus and Laina Hellena (Paavola) Varila. Her father moved his family to the United States in 1960, and Tarja joined the family in Naselle, Wash., in 1962.
Tarja married Harry Perry Doughman on Dec. 31, 1970, and the couple made their home in Naselle. They had a beautiful baby girl, Mary Hellena Doughman, who was called home to be with the Lord in 1973.
Harry died in 1996, and throughout the remainder of her life Tarja would describe him as her best friend, and speak fondly of their years together, both in Naselle and in Sitka.
The Doughmans worked in Sitka for Seafood Producers Co-op, and Tarja remained there until retiring shortly before her death. She cherished the friends she made while working there, and was especially thankful for the friendship and support extended by Craig and Dave. She often shared stories with her family about the work and the friendships she built there.
After retiring, Tarja debated moving back to Washington but couldn’t bear to leave her home in Sitka. She enjoyed the views of water and mountains, and didn’t wish to disrupt her beloved cats – Tarja referred to herself as “the cat lady of Sitka.” Throughout her life, Tarja maintained a special fondness for all animals, and had a special gift with crdeatures both domestic and wild. She couldn’t bear to see an animal without love and a good meal.
While still living in Naselle, Tarja enjoyed oil painting and ceramics. She produced beautiful paintings and ceramic steins adorned in festive Christmas colors and motifs. Her family members will cherish these gifts.
Despite the distance, Tarja was devoted to keeping in close contact with her brothers and family in both the United States and Finland.
Tarja was preceded in death by her her daughter, Mary Hellena Doughman, her husband Harry Doughman, her parents and her infant sister Lea.
She is survived by her brother Matt Varila of Montesano, Wash., and his and his late wife Patsy’s daughter, Leah Hansen, of Bend, Ore.; brother Henry Varila of Nasell, and his former wife, Jerrine Varia Voelker of Florida, and their daughters, Stephanie (Jon) Gudmundsen of Grays River, Wash., and Jennifer (Harrod) Gillihan of Kalama, Wash.; and brother Hannu (Jenelle) Varila of Naselle, and their children, Aaron (Heather) Varila and Jordan (Matt) Allen, all of Naselle.
Numerous cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive. After moving to the United States, Tarja kept in close contact with her cousin, Marita Peavola of Kaustinen, Finland, whom she loved and missed greatly.
A celebration of Tarja’s life will be held by her family at a later date in Naselle, In keeping with her wishes, permanent arrangements were made for her cats.
The family extended appreciation to Sitka Animal Control, Sitka Police Dept., Prewitt’s Funeral Home, and other citizens of Sitka for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time.
