It is with profound sadness and regret that the family of Anna Gadd, age 89, announces her passing on May 27th, 2015. Anna died peacefully in her sleep at her home on Grandview Beach Road.
Anna was born in Finland and was one of 12 siblings. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1961, settling in Port Arthur.
After operating a bakery in Port Arthur for a period of time, she went to work as a cook in many bush camps. In the late 1960’s, Anna purchased and operated the Bay Food Bar for many years and was known to have “The Best Pancakes in Town”. During those years, she was an avid bowler and fierce competitor at the tournament level.
She also competed in numerous 50 mile walkathons, placing amongst the top finishers many time. In retirement Anna spent her time living at her home on Lake Superior where she enjoyed gardening, flowers and nature and having family and friends over for supper, sauna and a swim. Anna was a true lover of animals and always had a canine friend by her side. She would even feed the black and white striped “pussy cats” that ventured into her yard.
Her strong spirit, work ethic and passion for life were the true meaning of the Finnish term “Sisu”.
Anna will be lovingly remembered by her children; Marja-Liisa Raty, Kari (Kati) Hilden, Anne John) Saasto, her daughter-in-law Donna Hilden, her grandchildren; Kristine (Andrew) Hilden-Foulds, Mark (Leeya Bobrowski) Saasto, Charleen (Richard) Moorey, Markus (Joline) Raty, Samuel (Brenna) Raty, Marian Raty, Kalle (Hanna) Hilden, and Frans (Satu) Hilden, her great grandchildren; Alex, Luke and Matthew Foulds, Declan Moorey, Cecilia, Cris, Alex and Daniel Hilden, and Miia Raty. She is also survived by her sisters Alli and Liisa as well as by numerous other relatives in Canada and Finland and her beloved companion Mac.
Anna was predeceased by her parents in Finland, her first husband Reino Hilden, her second husband James Gadd, her son Kai Hilden, her grandson Kurt Hilden, her son-in-law Pertti Raty, her sister Lyyli Kangas and all of her brothers.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Anna’s Life will be held later this summer. The date, location and time will be announced later. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Anna’s memory to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society.
