Irma left us on September 1, 2024, after giving cancer a thorough run for its money. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was the embodiment of SISU, facing the many challenges life threw at her with bravery, grace, determination, and humour.
Born in Port Arthur, Ontario on May 2, 1960, she attended St. James Public School and Lakeview High School before moving to southern Ontario where she attended Humber College. After growing her family in Brampton, Ontario she returned to Thunder Bay in 2012.
She worked in Information Technology, Systems Analysis and Software Development for companies in southern Ontario and Thunder Bay. All benefited from her expertise and strong work ethic.
However, first and foremost in importance was her family. She was proudest of her children Katja and James. Whether as an ardent hockey mom attending every practice and game or as a wise mentor guiding them through life choices, her kids knew they were unconditionally loved and supported. The arrival of her four grandchildren gave her even greater joy.
Irma was loved by those who came to know her. She made others feel comfortable and accepted. Kind, compassionate and quick witted, she nurtured friendships throughout her life.
Irma loved good coffee, good music, good conversation, and especially a good laugh. Her expressions and witticisms sometimes outrageous, often inappropriate but always funny have become part of our family vocabulary.
She enjoyed going up north to the cottage, and loved being by Lake Superior, often exploring its shores with her sisters. She affectionately called the Sleeping Giant her boyfriend.
In recent years, despite the recurrence of her cancer, she travelled to see her daughter’s home in Yellowknife, her grandchildren in Stroud, Ontario and achieved goals of seeing new places - Newfoundland, Jamaica and Ireland.
She was predeceased by her parents Anni and Kauko Koivisto. She leaves behind daughter, Katja Milner (Fisher Cogdale); son, James Milner (Melissa); grandchildren, James, Madison, Emma and Hailey; sisters, Tarja Heiskanen (Roger Curtis) and Margit Koivisto (Ken Eisen); nieces, Aliisa Heiskanen, Helena Heiskanen, Maija Eisen and many friends.
Her family would like to thank the nurses and doctors of St. Joseph’s Hospice for their care, and for “getting” her sense of humour. To the Cancer Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, especially to Dr. Aseyev, Dr. Anthes, Dr. Ward, and Dr. Simpson for their care and compassion.
A celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 2-4pm at the Current River Community Centre - 450 Dewe Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Blood Services or to St Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay - St Joseph’s Hospice in Irma’s name.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
