It is with mixed emotions we announce the passing of our äiti/mother, mummi/grandmother, sister and wife Sirkka Savinainen ne Kettunen. Born in Joensuu Finland in 1932. She was a Karjalainen to the core. Hard working, stoic, kind-hearted, a no-nonsense individual who got on with life regardless of difficulties faced. A survivor of World War II, in Finland known as The Winter War and The Continuation War, immigrating to Sweden in 1956 and once again in 1967 to Thunder Bay, Canada. Life has not been easy, but through it all she persevered and prospered.
For many years she worked at Kivela Bakery, eventually changing employment to Current River Bakery. Mom was legendary for her tasty pulla, her incredible cinnamon buns, pirakkas and rye breads. Father-in-law Pekka Savinainen upon their first meeting inquired firmly “Do you know how to bake pulla? Jo, kyllä osaan” replied mom, much to the relief of my father. Indeed, a baker extraordinaire she was. She loved camping, swimming and fishing with her family and many friends.
Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her cherished treasures. She was an avid reader, loved reciting Eino Leino poetry, enjoyed classical music, always dressed immaculately, presenting as a sophisticated lady, a passionate birder, and a compassionate friend to numerous pets. A special place in her heart was reserved for Tomi, an Irish Setter she befriended as a telegraph girl in Joensuu. Tomi and her often attended the open-air market. Mom would ask him to wait at a certain door, he would do so. Shopping completed; telegraphs delivered she returned picking up Tomi heading home. As a young girl she and several girlfriends often swam the Pielisjoki river. “She swam like crocodile” one of them commented, with a strong and powerful stroke.
Sirkka is predeceased by her husband Ville (2003), her two daughters Katariina Savinainen-Arbour (2001), Leena Hupe (2014) and daughter-in-law Lisa Savinainen (2023), her brothers Matti, and Arvo Kettunen, sister Elsa Savinainen. She is survived by daughter Kaija Savinainen-Mountain (Jim Mountain), son Reijo Savinainen, son-in- law Dale Hupe, son-in-law Norman Arbour, sister Raili Mirjam Pesonen, Finland. Also survived by grandchildren Lara Mountain (Jeremy Armitage), Liisa Mountain (William Fennell), Shanna Blackburn (Asa Blackburn), Jenna Myllyniemi (Ray Myllyniemi), JC Thompson (Tyler Thompson), TJ Savinainen, Tyler Cassidy, Mikke Savinainen. Great grandchildren Iiro and Eerik Armitage, Maci, Levi, Mya Blackburn, Jacob Valle, and Laurmara Wawia, Madison and Arja Thomson. Also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins in Finland, Sweden.
Many warm “thank yous” to the wonderful and caring staff, doctors at Bethammi Nursing Home who took care of mom up until her last day. A warmest thank you to Pastor Jari Lehtinen and his wife Liisa Lehtinen for their comforting words and visit during mom’s last days.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kitty Kare or your choice of charity.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
