We are saddened to announce the passing of Saara Annikki Voutilainen, nee Ylinen, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 in St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was born on October 12, 1930 in Padasjoki, Finland.
She immigrated to Canada in 1956 and upon arrival found employment as a “cookie” in various bush camps. She later met and married the love of her life, Pentti Voutilainen in Port Arthur and they married in Timmins in 1959. They settled in Thunder Bay where they raised their family. She learned English at night school when her children were young.
Saara lived life well despite her many health challenges resulting from childhood illness. Her home, family, pets, and plants were very important to her. She was known for her sense of humour and her gift of talking. She is loved and will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Pentti, children Arja Voutilainen, Kaija Voutilainen (Olavi Laskujarvi) and Ritva Wiitala (Bernie) and her grandchildren Layla Wiitala and Veronica Laskujarvi. She has a large extended family still remaining in Finland. She was predeceased by her parents Onni and Anna Maria Ylinen and her siblings Arvo and lrja.
Funeral Services for Saara will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Hilldale Lutheran Church, 321 Hilldale Road, beginning at 11:00 a.m. presided by Rev. Sakari Nurmesviita.
Visitation will begin one hour prior, at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Riverside Cemetery will follow the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Saara’s memory to Hilldale Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated. A special thank you is extended to the staff of TBRHSC, St. Joseph’s Care Group and Dr. Kolobov.
