LEINONEN

It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of the late Mrs. Viola Leinonen (Hakala) aged 91 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2018

at Pioneer Ridge. Viola was born on February 16, 1926 in Alavus, Finland. She came to Port Arthur in 1954 and shortly after arriving in Canada met the love of her life Toivo who predeceased her in 1995.

Viola is survived by her son Ray (Kelly) and daughter Elsa Elder (Dwayne), three grandchildren Steven (Tarja), Cheryl, Christopher and two great grandchildren Weston and Everett all of Thunder Bay, She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives all living in Finland.

Viola was employed briefly in the bush camps before she began to devote her life to raising her family. Viola¹s interests revolved around her family and her grandchildren whom she loved spending time with. She spent all her summers at their camp on Island Lake and had friendly competitions with her husband for the biggest or most fish caught (which she seemed to win most of the time). She enjoyed entertaining at the lake and loved a nice hot sauna and a dip in the water. Later in their retirement she enjoyed winters at their condo in Lake Worth, Florida. Viola loved listening to music from her homeland and going to dances. She had a jest for life and you always knew she was somewhere nearby because of her distinctive laugh.

Respecting Viola¹s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Pioneer Ridge for their excellent care and compassion over the many years she resided there.