Join us in celebrating the life of Ingrid Oie Mihkels-Anderson. Contribute to this lasting memorial by sharing stories, memories, photos, and videos.
As we finalize plans for the funeral, which is likely to be held in early August in/near Middletown, we will update the information here.
OBITUARY
Ingrid Mihkels-Anderson, born Ingrid Oie Reinla, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Friday, May 10th, in Park Ridge, Illinois after a short illness. Born in a Swedish refugee camp in 1945, to parents Maimu and Mihkel Reinla, shortly after they fled Estonia on a small fishing boat during the Soviet occupation. When the Soviet government demanded the return of Baltic refugees, Ingrid - at four years old - and... see moreIngrid Mihkels-Anderson, born Ingrid Oie Reinla, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Friday, May 10th, in Park Ridge, Illinois after a short illness.
Born in a Swedish refugee camp in 1945, to parents Maimu and Mihkel Reinla, shortly after they fled Estonia on a small fishing boat during the Soviet occupation. When the Soviet government demanded the return of Baltic refugees, Ingrid - at four years old - and her parents joined 81 other Estonian & Latvian immigrants to the United States on a 45 year old mine destroyer boat with a 30 person capacity, retrofitted to sleep 84 on bunks of 3 in the freight hold.
Ingrid departed Sweden on June 9, 1949 and were welcomed to Boston Harbor with fireworks nearly a month later on July 4th, 1949. Mihkel told Ingrid the fireworks were for her arrival to America.
The family settled in New Britain, CT where Ingrid lived until she met her first husband - Hans Mihkels - on a blind date in New York City. Surprisingly, Hans was also an Estonian immigrant! They married and raised two wonderful children, Jon and Karin, in Kensington, CT.
Naturally artistic and trained as a draftsperson, Ingrid worked at Sherwood Industries (Sherri Cup factory) and was proud to break down the barriers for females in the workplace.
Later in life, she met and married her second true love, Norman Anderson, and they spent many years traveling, camping and giving back to their respective communities through the Estonian Society - where Ingrid was very active in the Estonian Camp in New Jersey - and the Svea Club in Berlin - where Ingrid served as president for 2 years. They settled in Glenview, IL where Norman passed away in December of 2008.
Throughout her life, Ingrid loved art, cooking, knitting, crafts travel, music (especially The Grateful Dead) and spending time with good friends and family. With plans to head West to California to live near her daughter, Ingrid fell ill and sadly, did not recover.
Ingrid is survived by her daughter Karin Al-Hardan with her husband Faisal, grandsons Aden, Zaki and Mishen of Malibu, CA and her son Jon with wife Anna, grandaughters Linnea and Liivika of Seattle, WA. Ingrid will be laid to rest with Norman at the Middletown Veteran’s Cemetary this August. Details to follow once plans are finalized.
My condolences for the loss of your loved one.
The hurt and pain of losing a loved one is difficult.
Please know that God is near to those that are broken-hearted and who are crushed in spirit.(Psalm 34:18) God will wipe away all tears from their eyes... moreMy condolences for the loss of your loved one.
The hurt and pain of losing a loved one is difficult.
Please know that God is near to those that are broken-hearted and who are crushed in spirit.(Psalm 34:18) God will wipe away all tears from their eyes and death will be no more.(Revelation 21:4) less
The Svea Social Club sends condolences to the family and friends of Ingrid. We are hosting a luncheon in memory of her and her contributions to Svea club this Saturday 6/29 at 2pm. All are welcome and encouraged to come celebrate the life of this... moreThe Svea Social Club sends condolences to the family and friends of Ingrid. We are hosting a luncheon in memory of her and her contributions to Svea club this Saturday 6/29 at 2pm. All are welcome and encouraged to come celebrate the life of this incredible woman. Please share with any family and friends of Ingrid ❤️
Svea is located at 999 Kensington Rd Kensington CT 06037 less