Seija Sinikka Anelma Arvo

The family of Mrs. Seija Sinikka Anelma Arvo (nee Hirvonen), age 78 years, sadly announce her passing at St. Joseph’s Hospice on Sunday, December 13, 2015 (Seijan päivänä) after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Meidän rakas Äiti – Helsingin tyttö.

Seija was born on August 7, 1937 in Helsinki, Finland to Tyyne Pietikäinen and Arvi Hirvonen. The second youngest of four children (siblings Aune, Anja and Taisto), Seija spent much of her early childhood in war-torn Finland and Sweden.

From an early age, Seija was interested in music and the arts, singing publicly and studying ballet. She married and had two daughters – Marjatta and Raija – and the young family immigrated to Canada in the 1950s to start a new life, joining sister Aune and her family in Port Arthur.

Seija was a fantastic cook of traditional Finnish foods, and in her early years in Port Arthur, she put her culinary talents to work in many kitchens, including Lakehead University Residence, Royalton Hotel and even established her own restaurant, Otso Grill, formerly located across from the Hoito Restaurant. Ever the perfect hostess, there was never anyone who went to Seija´s house that didn´t get a good, hot cup of Finnish coffee, pastries and a wide selection of Finnish delicacies.

In 1972, Seija married Pauli Arvo and had two more daughters – Paula and Anja. Seija and Pauli shared a love of music and Finnish culture, and formed a family band, Arvon Yhtye, that regularly performed at the Finlandia Club, Surprise Lake (Pohjanpirtti) and other Finnish events. Pauli played the accordion, Seija was the vocalist, and daughter Paula joined the family band as a second accordionist. Seija was also a long-time member of the Finnish ladies choir, Oras.

Seija´s second passion was writing. She found joy and comfort in writing weekly columns for the local Finnish Newspaper Kanadan Uutiset and most recently for the Kanadan Sanomat.

She wrote about current events and interviewed many celebrities, including the late Red Skelton. She was known for telling it like it is, for her passion regarding politics and sports, and for her sharp wit and humour.

On stage, Seija was a true performer and showman, enjoying being in the spotlight. Off-stage, Seija was a homebody, and enjoyed spending time at home alone or with family, cooking, sitting out in her yard, or writing her next column for the newspaper. Seija was extremely proud of her family and all of their accomplishments.

Seija is survived by her daughters Marjatta Light, Raija Vic (Gary Sr.), Paula Sdao (Chris) and Anja Arvo (Alan Contreras); sister Aune Smolander; brother Taisto Hirvonen (Pirkko); grandchildren Derek Light (Brooke), Melanie Kramer (Eric), Lisa Duncan (Dan), Melodie Gale (Derek), Gary Vic Jr., Gregory Vic, Samantha Sdao, and Alison Sdao. Nine great-grandchildren, three step-sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also exist in Canada, the United States and Finland. Seija was predeceased by her parents, sister Anja, and husband Pauli.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kathy Simpson for her compassion, understanding and excellent care of our mom over the past six months, as well as the nursing staff at TBRHSC and St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral services for the late Mrs. Seija Arvo will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 12:00 pm in the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street, with interment following at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Finlandia Club Building Fund or the Lutheran Community Care Centre would be appreciated.