Paola Cynthia Kuivanen of Southfield, Michigan, October 21, 1943 to April 1, 2023, died peacefully at the age of 79 at Ascension Providence Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

Paola is preceded in death by father, Charles Arthur Kuivanen, and mother Aura Elisa Kuivanen.  Paola had battled dilated cardiomyopathy for many years.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University, received her PhD degree in Virology from the University of Chicago, and in 1979-1980 attended Harvard University doing research in microbiology and molecular genetics. She was then employed at the University of Chicago doing cancer research. Her advances resulted in Paola being invited to Washington DC to present her findings; she has numerous publications of her work. She left her work at the University of Chicago to return home to care for her parents, and discovered caring for elders was a calling for her. She continued in this field for many years, and provided such compassionate care that a daughter of one of Paola's clients wrote a book which included accolades of Paola's compassionate care for her parent. One of Paola's loves was the family cabin in northern Michigan in which Paola served as resident agent and was instrumental in establishing the LLC for the cabin.

Paola is survived by sister Gail K. Henry (Randy) of Boulder CO, brother Charles Leslie Kuivanen (Margo) of Fridley MN, Nieces Laureen Kuivanen, Cheryl Rosen, Brooke Harris (Kim), Alaina Henry (Antony) and grand nephews and nieces: Erin Kappers, Jason Kappers, Brandon Rosen, Tyler Rosen, Kaisa Harris, Maeson Harris,  many cousins, and very dear friends,  Alvin and Cynthia Johnson.  Paola has been a lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Southfield.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, 11 am, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 23425 Lahser Road (N. of 9 Mile), Southfield.

Inurnment will be at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park in Livonia.

Memorials may be given to the Sierra Club, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Hospice.