Eija Leinonen, age 59 years, a resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully in TBRHSC on January 22nd, 2016 with family by her side. It is with heavy hearts and loving memories that we bid her goodbye.
Born on November 4th, 1956, in Helsinki, Finland, Eija Junni immigrated to Canada at the age of 2 where she grew up as proud, active member of Thunder Bay’s Finnish-Canadian community. She met her husband, Jari Leinonen, while folk dancing with the Kiikurit dance group at the Finlandia Club, where they would later marry.
Jari and Eija lived in Finland for a year before returning to Thunder Bay to start a family. They were proud to raise their sons Esa-Pekka and Kai in the family-oriented Finnish traditions they cherished, enjoying the support of a large extended family in Canada and Finland. Being selfless and a naturally gifted caregiver, Eija was as loving a mother and wife as anyone could ask for.
Eija was a career nurse, noted by her colleagues as a well-respected role model in her field. After graduating from Lakehead University’s Nursing Program, she began her career at Port Arthur General. In 1986, she started work at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit in the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program.
Over the course of 30 years, Eija delivered exceptional care as a public health nurse and lactation consultant. Her expertise and compassion were a great comfort to new mothers. She thrived in her role, taking great pride and fulfillment in the opportunity to positively impact her patients’ lives. Her example inspired her son, Esa-Pekka, to pursue a career in healthcare.
A dedicated member of her community, Eija spent her free time volunteering and brightening the lives of those around her. Influenced by her father Pentti, she was heavily involved in the Finnish musical community, singing alto in both the Oras and Hilldale choirs.
She took great joy in sharing music with her son Kai, a gifted singer and violinist. Hilldale Lutheran Church counted her among their most devout parishioners, and she proudly sat on the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Finnish Language School and Lutheran Community Care Access Centre. In her free time, she attended book club with her closest friends, did yoga, skiing, and aquabics, gardened, travelled, played piano, knitted, and cross-stitched. Eija’s most beloved creative endeavor was cooking and entertaining. She was happiest while hosting her large, grateful family. Every birthday, anniversary, graduation, and holiday was a special one under her roof.
Eija is remembered, first and foremost, as the backbone of a family which will miss her more with every passing day. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Jari; children Esa-Pekka (Kirsti) and Kai (Ruby); father-in-law Eero Leinonen; sisters Anja Erwin, and Helena Armiento (Frank); sisters-in-law Aila Martinuzzi (Bruce), and Muriel Leinonen; brother-in-law Bart Imhoff; cousin Anja Hankilanoja (Mikko) and family; nieces and nephews Alex, Ben, Chris, Harri Jr., Madison, Meaghan, Ryan, Raakel, Reggie, Tim. Numerous other relatives also survive both in Finland and Canada. She is predeceased by parents Reetta and Pentti Junni; mother-in-law Hilkka Leinonen ; brother-in-law Harri Leinonen; and sister-in-law Saila Imhoff.
Eija possessed a strength of character often aspired to and fondly recalled. She was easy-going, open-minded, and unwaveringly kind. She was a model of grace and poise for anyone who has known her. She lived life meaningfully, and to its fullest. We are better people for having the privilege to love her, and will spend the rest of our time living by her example.
Services will be held at Hilldale Lutheran Church on Friday, January 29th, 2016 at 11 a.m. Visitation for friends will begin one hour prior to service time. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Eija’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Hyvää yötä Eija; nuku rauhassa tietäen että rakastetaan.
