Paivi Pelly

Paivi Pelly, devoted wife of Dr. Joseph Pelly, passed away unexpectedly at home on
March 19, 2025.

Paivi was a native of Tampere, Finland, where she was raised. She traveled to
Philadelphia in her early twenties for what was supposed to be a travel adventure, but
ended up meeting the love of her life and stayed for a lifetime.

Paivi and her husband, Joe, eventually moved to Hazleton where they built their life
together. Paivi served as an office assistant at Pelly Dental, in addition to raising two
daughters.

Paivi was known for her hospitality and artistry in the kitchen. She had a true gift for
making delicious food with a beautiful presentation. Paivi enjoyed sharing these skills
with everyone she invited into her home.

Paivi loved to travel with her husband and family, collecting whimsical reminders of
every destination. She frequented her homeland of Finland regularly, ensuring it
remained an important part of her and her family’s life in custom and tradition.
Paivi loved nature, flowers, animals, and the beauty of the small things around her.
She truly lived in the moment and embraced each day.

Paivi is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Dr. Joseph Pelly; daughter Maija
DiDomenico, husband Michael, and children Nico and Nina; daughter Leena Hadzick,
husband Nathan, and children Livi, Sofi, Siri, Nate, and Lola; maternal aunt Ulla
Leskinen and sister Tytti Laosmaa; and many loving and supportive sisters-in-law,
brothers-in law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM at
Holy Rosary Church, 240 South Poplar Street, Hazleton. The family will receive
relatives and friends from 8:30-10am at the church prior to the mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Rosary Church or Holy Protection
Monastery, 1 St. Joseph’s Way, White Haven, PA. 18661.

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Inc., Hazleton

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