Phyllis 'Phyllie' Sauvola-Kangas

Phyllis Ann Sauvola Kangas, 72, of Rindge, NH, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, November 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home.

Born in Peterborough, NH, on September 5, 1953, 'Phyllie' was the daughter of Hjalmar and Elmi (Frigard) Aho. She graduated in 1971 from Chassell Township School, Chassell, MI.

Phyllie married Ken Sauvola on August 21, 1971, in Rindge, NH. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family. After raising eight children and fifty years of marriage, Ken preceded her in death on July 29, 2021.

Following a brief courtship, she married Tim Kangas on May 5, 2024. Together they found healing after losing their respective spouses. They excitedly embraced their new love and life as they planned for a bright future.

Phyllie worked as a talented bookkeeper for several local organizations including Quality Concrete, Legacy Gutter, and Hope Fellowship Church. She was a cherished member of her church community and joyfully shared her love for Jesus with everyone she met. A gifted seamstress and creative artist, she also had a natural talent for interior design. She loved hosting gatherings and easily made everyone feel like they belonged.

Phyllie is also pre-deceased by her son James Arthur Sauvola, her parents, 2 brothers; David Aho and Frederick “Fratt” Aho and 2 brothers in-law; Melvin Somero and Lawrence “Larry” Sauvola.

She is survived by her husband, Timothy Kangas of Rindge, NH, and her children; Myra (David) Somero of New Ipswich, Matt (Melinda) Sauvola of Rindge, DaNita (Aaron) Maunu of Kennewick, WA, Jered (Jaycee) Sauvola of New Ipswich, Tamara (Jeffrey) Krook of New Ipswich, Diana (Aaron) Rosenlund of New Ipswich and Dane (Heather) Sauvola of Rindge.

She was proud to be Emmy to: 20 grandsons; Adrian (Kayla), Davin (Annika) & Kade Somero, Delton & Myles Sauvola, Trayton (Bethany), Kye (Heidi), Bryson, Chase & Cruz Maunu, Connor, Elliot & Asher Sauvola, Preston & Jase Krook, Tallan & Kasen Rosenlund, Alec, Liam & Rhys Sauvola. 8 granddaughters; Tiahna Somero, Darla (Myles) Ketola, Shaelyn (Rand) Traffie, Nyla, Kiandra & Brailee Sauvola, Ava Krook and Charlize Sauvola. 8 great grandchildren; Rayah, Wesley & Eleanor Ketola, Emmett Somero, January Traffie, Addison & Ayla Maunu and Rayne Maunu.

Phyllie is also survived by her 9 sisters; Donna (Doug) Coponen, Ruth Somero, Gladys Sauvola, Judith (Dennis) Kinnunen, Barbara (Ken) Hammer, Eloris (Wayne) Hilman, Eunice (Allyn) West, Amelia (Mark) Sauvola, Mary (Walt) Kinnunen and 2 brothers; Carl (Diane) Aho and Jeffrey (Pat) Aho and 2 sisters in-law; Ella Aho and Fratt’s Deb Aho.

She is also survived by 2 stepdaughters; Stacey (Ed) Olson of New Ipswich and Angela Kangas of Hancock, MI, step grandchildren; Caleb & Quinn Olson, Ana (Zeke) & Talon Somero and hundreds of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

All are welcome to Calling Hours which will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Hope Fellowship Church, 16 Prescott Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Hope Fellowship Church, at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery on Goddard Road in Rindge.