Arja Kaarina Seppanen Lefgren

Arja Kaarina Seppanen Lefgren, age 81, passed away peacefully at home early in the morning of April 29, 2025.

Born in Sortavala, Karelia, Finland on August 6, 1943, Arja lived most of her life on the East Coast of the United States, where she raised her family and built a life rooted in love, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world. She is survived by John Lefgren, her five children, and fifteen beloved grandchildren.

The greatest joy of Arja’s life was having her children and grandchildren visit. She would light up and put her whole heart into hosting a warm and memorable time together. Her love and excitement for her family also shone in her careful selection of birthday cards and handwritten jokes to each grandchild on their birthday.

Arja had a profound love and respect for the beauty of nature. She found peace in the outdoors and made walking a regular, almost sacred, part of her daily life—continuing this ritual well into her final days. She had a lifelong love of science and art, and she worked diligently to keep her mind sharp and active, always curious and open to learning more about the universe and its mysteries. Arja also expressed a personal and direct connection to her Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost—frequently sharing her spiritual thoughts and insights.

Her appreciation for simplicity, endurance, and quiet strength reflected the values of her Finnish heritage. Arja exemplified the Finnish concept of “sisu”—a unique blend of determination, courage, and inner strength. This was evident throughout her life from her childhood in post-World War II Europe to working countless hours outside the home to make ends meet during financially stressful years to her determination to walk daily despite the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis. She faced life with grace and quiet perseverance, and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, love, and resilience.

In keeping with her generous spirit and love of science, Arja chose to donate her body for medical research and education through Humanity Gifts Registry. Those who wish to honor Arja’s memory may take a walk in nature by themselves or with those they love and reflect on the impression she has left on their own lives. A private gathering will be held for immediate family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arja’s name to St. Luke’s Hospice in Bethlehem, PA. Arja deeply appreciated all of her medical care within the St. Luke’s medical system and was shown compassion, respect, and love by the hospice team during her final days.

“How I Go to the Woods” by Mary Oliver

Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore unsuitable.

I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of praying, as you no doubt have yours.

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost unhearable sound of the roses singing.

If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love you very much.