Aino Reiljan, age 94 years, formerly of Red River Towers and the Walford, died peacefully in St. Joseph’s Hospice on Thursday Oct. 28, 2010.
She was born in Estonia in 1916. Aino had many wonderful childhood memories with her parents, oldest brother Evvard, younger brother Lampad who was taken by the Russian army and younger sister Heljan. She was a talented seamstress and throughout the years stitched many beautiful portraits.
When the Second World War broke out Aino escaped the Russian occupation of Estonia, first moving to Germany, where she met her husband Viktor and then they moved to England.
In the early 1950s they moved to Canada, landing in Halifax, then travelling to Montreal and Toronto. Work in the bush camp brought Aino and Viktor to Port Arthur. Missing him terribly, Aino as well obtained work at the bush camp. Aino was actively involved in the Estonian society, church and Ladies Auxiliary in Thunder Bay.
She was predeceased by her husband Viktor in 1984.
She is survived by relatives in Estonia. Aino is lovingly cherished by close friends Velta and Helge Kurm, and Enn, Mary Jane, Erika and Kevin Kurm, Thunder Bay as well as many close lifelong Estonian friends.
At the request of Aino, no services will be held. Interment of her ashes along side her husband Viktor in Riverside Cemetery will take place at a later date. The care and support of staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Care Group 2 South, 2 North and 4 North, Rev. Jari Lahtinen of Hilldale Lutheran Church and Greta from Hospice Northwest and Ester from 55 Plus Centre was greatly appreciated.
Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma in care of funeral arrangements.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com.
