Elna Mitchell

Mrs. Elna Mitchell (Hakamaki) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on December 3, 2015 at her home in Dawson Court, Thunder Bay.

Born on February 7, 1932 in Lybster Township, Elna married William (Bill) Mitchell in 1950, and they raised their 7 children in South Gillies.

Elna was a talented, creative, and generous lady; she sewed, knitted, crocheted, baked, gardened, preserved, and farmed, winning countless prizes and Hymers Fair ribbons for her labours.

Elna was an active member of Gillies Women’s Institute. She created amazing, useful things by “upcycling” objects, making a little bit go a long way! She sewed gorgeous bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses, as well as clothes for her family.

A hard worker on the farm, she milked cows, churned butter, and took care of animals. She loved to babysit her grandchildren, and they adored her. She enjoyed spending time with her family and would do anything for her loved ones, always putting others’ needs and wants ahead of her own. She and Bill moved to town in 1987, because of Bill’s illness.

He predeceased her in 1988. While living in town, Elna volunteered at Grandview Lodge, joined a bowling league, and did some world travelling.

Elna was also predeceased by her son, Alfred; her daughter-in-law, Boni; her parents, Vienno and Franz Hakamaki; and her siblings, Arne and Helvie. She is survived by her sons, William (Karen), Gordon (Judy), Donald (Nancy), Dale (Debbie); her daughters, Sherri-Lynn (Robert), and Valerie; her grandchildren, Jessica, Catherine, Christel, Daniel, Michael, Katie, Tyler, Jason, William, Christopher, Sarah, Matthew, David, and Tucker; 19 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Albert and Milja, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Elna will be held on Friday, December 11 at 10:00 am at Jenkens Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hymers Cemetery.

A luncheon will be held at Gillies Community Centre from 1 – 4 pm. Memorial donations to the RFDA, St. Joseph’s Care Group, “New Beginnings” Memory Butterfly Garden at Pioneer Ridge (please specify Dawson Court memorial), or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Special thanks go to the wonderful and caring staff at 2 North, Dawson Court.