Elsie Jean Koivisto (Skinner)

After 105 ½ years, we say goodbye to our Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother (Gigi). Elsie Jean Koivisto (Skinner) was born on July 26, 1915 during WW1 to parents Josiah and Mary (Bond) Skinner in Napinka, Manitoba. At 3 she lived through the Spanish Flu of 1918 and had to wear a mask during that time. Mom was the youngest of 4 girls and spent her younger years between Winnipeg and Ft. William where the family settled. She attended Isabella School and the Vocational High School. She met Weikko Koivisto and they were married in Ottawa by Rev. Dan McIvor. Returning to Port Arthur they settled into married life raising daughter Sandra and son Terry.

Mom worked as an Accounts Manager, retiring from Mahons Electric. From there volunteering became her new fulltime job. She acted in skits with Kandoo Players and singing and dancing in groups at 55+. The 55+ Centre became her second home where she greeted members and guests at the reception desk. Her favorite place was the library, organizing and labelling books and always had suggestions for anyone who asked for interesting reads.

In 2020 she received a Citizen of Exceptional Achievement 50th Anniversary Volunteer Award celebrating volunteers for 50 years of volunteering service.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Josiah & Mary Skinner, mother and father-in-law Aila & Matti Koivisto, Husband Weikko, son Terry, son-in-law Murray Stewart, sisters Ethel Smith (Harry), Olive Cole (Frank), Mildred Johnson (Albert).

Mom will be lovingly remembered by daughter Sandra Stewart, grandchildren Greg Stewart (Marianne), Robert Stewart, Marla Murray (Jeff), Terra Moquin, great grandchildren Carver, Ewan, Matthew, Isobel, Leah, Brady, Oliver, Hawksley, Fisher, River.

Mom saw and lived many firsts in her lifetime. She had an amazing mind and memory. She loved people and volunteering, but her greatest love was her family. Her great grandchildren brought her such joy.

We are so grateful that mom lived independently in her little house that she loved until just three weeks ago. She was feisty, outspoken, but the kindest, most loyal mother, grandmother and great grandmother. (GiGi) We will all miss her but we are left with the most cherished memories of her incredible 105 ½ years. Thank you, Sargent’s, for your kind & professional assistance. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

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