Our dearly loved mother and grandmother Irma Anneli Nowosad (nee Romppai) passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday October 16, 2023 at 89 years of age.
Irma was born to Finnish immigrants, who met in Thunder Bay. She grew up in Current River, living on Morse Street and then Dewe Avenue. After marrying Joseph Nowosad in 1956, the couple built one of the first homes on Valley Street. They began with a small one bedroom house and as their family grew they added onto the house to accommodate their 5 children.
At the age of 19, Irma began working at Eaton’s with a career ending in the business office, when the store closed in 1997. She retired at that time. She remained friends with her coworkers and helped organize monthly get togethers and dinners out well into her 80’s.
She embraced her Finnish heritage and travelled to Finland many times with her last visit being in 2010 with her daughter Linda and family. The Finnish concept of Sisu could be seen in her character throughout her life.
Irma was soft spoken and kind hearted and her home was always a place where people would stop by for a quick visit, but would end up staying for a meal. She loved to be surrounded by her children and grandchildren. They loved her Finn pancakes topped with fresh raspberries from her garden and enjoyed hearing stories about her past while sharing her extensive photo collection. At times, the conversation would cover a topic from years past. Irma would excuse herself and return with a binder full of photos and newspaper clippings. She loved to take pictures and was an avid reader of the newspaper, saving anything related to anyone that she knew. She always had a book on the go and maintained an extensive library of her favourites.
Irma is survived by her children; Eric, Sandra (Dave) Martin, Peter, Paul (Susie), Linda (Dean) Crago and grandchildren; Christopher, Taylor, Kristen, Erica, Adam and Matthew as well as her brother Henry Romppai.
She was predeceased by her husband Joseph, grandson Jeffery Martin, parents Lyyli (nee Korkeamaki) and Matti Romppainen, and godmother Helvi Lake.
The family would like to thank the staff at Roseview Manor for their loving care. Thank you especially to her nurses, Amber, Virginia, Bailey and Jaison, her special PSW’s Elisa, Rosalinda, Dyna and Teena. Her time there was fulfilled by daily visits from her children and grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place.
Irma loved her pets, and especially her cats. Donations to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society in her name would be appreciated.
As per Irma’s request, a private family gathering has taken place in her memory with interment taking place at a later date.
We love you Mum.
We really thought we could keep you forever.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
