Anja Ailien Hartviksen

Mrs. Anja Ailien Hartviksen, age 90 years, a resident of Bethammi Nursing Home, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, August 4, 2014.  She was born in Port Arthur on August 19, 1923 to Emil and Julia Mikkela where she attended St. James Public School, Port Arthur Technical Institute (Hillcrest High School) and Port Arthur Business College.  She started her career at Bonin, Dobie, Jackson Insurance before working at Eaton’s.  On April 5, 1947 she married Rudy Hartviksen and along with raising three children Ailien worked as the secretary for the family business Thunder Bay Amethyst Mine.  Following Rudy’s passing she returned to the workforce briefly at Eaton’s before finding her dream job at the Sports Desk at St. Joseph’s Heritage where she remained until her retirement at the age of 70.   Ailien’s church was very important in her life.  She was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, served with the L.C.W. and participated in the Bible Study Groups.  Ailien never got a Driver’s Licence so walking became her mode of transportation.  She walked to work and church and took daily strolls around her neighborhood.  Her favorite spot was the Sunken Garden and Hillcrest Park, where upon returning home, she would comment on the Sleeping Giant, ships in the harbor and the beauty and fragrances of the garden.  She marveled at God’s creations.  The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost one of their greatest fans and Don Cherry has lost one of his longtime followers.  Ailien will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her sons Ronn (Margaret) Hartviksen and Lei (Jennie) Hartviksen, daughter Mary-Ellen Russell, grandchildren Galen Hartviksen, Mike and Marika Hartviksen and Adam (Stephanie) Russell and Jeff  (Meredith) Russell, great grandchildren Laila, Madigan and Ari Russell, sister-in-law Myrtle Main, brother-in-law Len Olson as well as by nieces, nephews and other relatives.  She was predeceased by her husband Rudy, parents Emil and Julia, and sisters Lily May Olson, Ann Main, Sigrid Pitt, Vee Springgay and Myra Shallen.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (corner of Farrand and River Street) with Pastor Matthew Diegel presiding.  The interment service will take place at Riverside Cemetery.  Our deepest heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Joseph’s Heritage, P.R. Cook Apartments and the Second Floor Staff at Bethammi Nursing Home for the care and compassion shown to Ailien over the years as well as to Dr. Affleck and the E.R. Staff at the T.B.R.H.S.C. for your professionalism and care.  In lieu of flowers memorials to the C.N.I.B., St. Joseph’s Foundation or the T.B.R.H.S. Foundation-Northern Cancer Fund would be appreciated.  Arrangements are in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 N. Court Street.  Online condolences may be made at <a href="http://www.sargentandson.com" target="_blank">www.sargentandson.com</a>.

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