Anja Haavisto

Mrs. Anja Haavisto (née Anttila), age 83 years, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 8, 2018. She will be sadly missed by her husband of 61 years, Mikko, nieces Susan and Heather and families, nephews Warren (Pat Marcus) and David, and brother-in-law Paavo. Anja was predeceased by her parents, brother Paul, sister Anita, sisters-in-law Verna and Aini, and nephews Rick and Paul.

Anja was born in Port Arthur on June 25, 1935. Encouraged by her mother, she studied piano while attending school and became an accomplished pianist. Upon obtaining her teaching qualifications, she began her lengthy teaching career at a small rural school in Nolalu at the tender age of sixteen. In the years that followed, she was a classroom teacher, Home Economics teacher and vocal music teacher in a number of Thunder Bay public schools. 

Never idle, Anja took on the role of organist and choir director at Bethel Lutheran Church, a position she held for many years, and later continued in the same role at Hilldale Lutheran Church. Her faith was important to Anja and she was very involved in church activities. 

Anja was director of the Otava Male Choir for fifty years, and also directed the Oras Choir for several years. She directed the Finnish Male Singers of North America at several concerts in Canada and the U.S.A. and on concert tours in Finland. In 1994 Anja was awarded the prestigious Director Cantus title by the President of Finland. Her work resulted in a vast number of close friendships across Canada, the U.S.A. and Finland. A strong supporter of the Thunder Bay Symphony, Anja also sang in the Symphony Chorus. 

Anja always looked forward to spending time at the Florida condo each winter. She was actively involved with the Lake Worth church and Finnish Male Choir. She especially enjoyed the summer camp and sauna at Surprise Lake during the summer months.

Other leisure activities included arts and crafts, reading, and collecting music she felt would be appropriate for her choirs. She enjoyed the company of her beloved pets. The Haavisto house was seldom empty as she and Mikko often entertained large groups of friends, both old and new. Many great meals and pots of coffee were served both in town and at the lake. As Anja's health began to fail, she constantly demonstrated that unfailing Finnish "sisu" which carried her through many health episodes. 

Well done, faithful servant! Rest in Peace — you have earned your rest.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018 at Hilldale Lutheran Church, 321 Hilldale Road, officiated by Rev. Jari Lahtinen, assisted by Rev. Jorma Tuomisto. Interment in Lappe Cemetery will follow the reception. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service. If friends so desire, donations in Anja's memory may be made to Hilldale Lutheran Church, to FELM, to the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society or to a charity of your choice.