It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our Mom, Gramma, and Mummu on March 17, 2025. She left us quietly and peacefully surrounded by love after a brief stay in the Nipigon Memorial Hospital.
Born on March 30, 1932, to William and Aili Lyyski in Hornepayne, Ontario then moved to Port Arthur, Ontario and then to Nipigon.
Predeceased by her parents, loving husband Alfred, brother Oliver and sister-in-law Marilyn, brother John Dampier and wife Colleena, sister Mae Corner and husband Eric, son-in-law Jimmy Gannon and son-in-law David Seguin.
She will be sadly missed by her children; Louise Seguin, Gordon Dampier (Margaret), Sandra Gannon and Cathy Ray (Terry). Grandchildren; Liisa Brolund (Joel), Tuff Seguin (Roxanne Holmes), Micheal Dampier (Sarah Briggerman), Joel Dampier, Monica Atwill (Ed), Natalie Thurkettle (Scott), Alyssa Treacy (John), Brad Gannon (Natalie) and Carly Perras (Chris). And Mummu’s great grandchildren; Nathan Atwill, Alex Atwill, Tyler Thurkettle, Brody Thurkettle, Sean Treacy, Jake Thurkettle, Liam Treacy, Quinn Brolund, T.J. Perras, Finn Treacy, Luke Perras, Everly Seguin, Gracie Gannon and Charlie Gannon. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.
After completing her education at the Nipigon Continuation School, Mom started working at the Royal Bank where she met the love of her life. Mom and Dad were married August 22, 1952. Shortly after they moved to Beardmore to start their life together. Four kids later and the family moved to Nipigon in 1962. Mom soon became an active community member, volunteering for numerous organizations and committees and working diligently at various jobs. Whether she was selling Avon door to door, working at the Sears Catalogue Order Office or sitting on and chairing the School Board, Mom was always in her element talking to people. But the job that she loved the best and talked most proudly about was being a School Bus Driver for over thirty years. “The Best” some have said. Whether it was the daily bus runs or the field trips; she loved the kids. She was not a Seargent Major (her words), but more of a friend and would stay and be the biggest cheerlead at their sporting events.
Not just a cheerleader; Mom also loved to participate. Baseball and swimming as a young girl, x-country skiing, downhill skiing and curling during the winter and of course boating on Lake Superior. “Muskrat”, “Muskrat Love” and “Muskrat III” logged many hours on both calm and rough waters. And there was never any fear of running out of provisions because Mom knew how to pack for a week when going on a weekend trip. The perfect First Mate. Mom also loved to travel. Many trips to British Columbia skiing and visiting, Finland, Europe, Ireland, Australia and the U.S.A. No challenge too great and always taken with grace and poise.
The family would like to thank the PSW’s for the loving care that they provided to Mom over the last couple years. As well as the caring staff who tended to Mom during her shore hospital stay. The love and compassion that you showed is greatly appreciated.
As per Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place with a private interment at a later date. The funeral will be Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm in St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Nipigon. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, Thunder Bay.
On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com
