It is with great sorrow, the children of Siiri Annikki Illikainen (Huttu), resident of Waverly Park Towers, Thunder Bay, would like to make known of her passing on Monday, October 30, 2023. Mom was ready and at peace to be with the Lord, reunited with husband, Arvo, and others that have passed before her.
Born on December 10, 1933 in Suomussalmi, Finland, Siiri married her husband, Arvo, in Oulu, Finland on September 19, 1956. She was of Lutheran Faith and a senior member of the Finlandia Club of Port Arthur. She moved to Canada in 1957 and cleaned houses before landing work at the Port Arthur General Hospital until her retirement.
She loved the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, berry picking and gardening. She and Arvo spent many of their earlier years visiting many different lakes with their camper and boat, and she spent her later years enjoying camp life at Camp Sammi on Lac de Mille Lacs. She also enjoyed travelling, with many trips to Finland, and exploring Hawaii and London. Her favorite indoor activities included playing Yahtzee, Hagi Bingo, reading and countless hours spent knitting. She knit many socks and slippers for family members and friends over the years, and more recently knit sweaters for herself, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed baking; spoiling her great grandchildren with treats when they came to visit, and Tuesday mornings in the coffee room when it was always her pleasure to bring in the daily cake. Her daily socializing in the coffee room was always a great highlight, and we know her presence will in turn be missed. We cannot forget to mention her most well known activity, pickling beets. Autumn will never be the same without her around to supervise the 80lbs that get completed every year. Rest easy, Mummu, we will continue with the tradition.
Siiri is survived by her children; Anne (Kaiy), Matti (Alana), and Aila (George); grandchildren Kristen (Graham), Erika (Wes) and step-grandchildren Karli (Pierre) and Logan (Curtis); great grandchildren Penny, Charlotte, Mason, Chloe and step-great grandchildren Grayson, Brandyn, Brynlee and Carter. Grand Fur Baby Charlie will especially miss her presence at camp. She is also survived by three sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews in Finland and across the globe.
She was predeceased by husband, Arvo, her parents, five brothers and many in-laws, as well as close friend, Richard.
Graveside family service was held for the late Siiri Illikainen at Riverside Cemetery on November 2, 2023.
Thank you very much to pastors and very dear friends, Arvo and Aini Andersin for the wonderful service and kind words. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors on 3B at the TBRHSC and 4 North at St. Joseph’s Hospice.
In expressions of sympathy if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Hilldale Lutheran Church, or to the Humane Society in Thunder Bay.
We love you Mom,
and will miss you dearly.
Until we meet again.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
