It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Hilkka Douglas (Wirkkunen) who passed away quietly and peacefully at Hogarth Manor on September 9, 2023.
Mom in was born in Port Arthur on May 4, 1932 to Finnish immigrants Sophie and Charlie Wirkkunen & was very proud of her Finnish heritage. Our mother was a child of God and a life long member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Her faith and commitment to God was evident in everything she did & how we were raised. We were taught to be modest, humble, and honest. Mom started her career at the Toronto Dominion Bank (Red River Road) at a very early age and retired after 40 years of service. Afterwards she volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 15 years.
Mom and Dad loved to travel after retirement and made many friends wherever they went. Many winters were spent in Florida plus travelling to Europe and Finland. Since our father’s death in 2000, Mom continued to live independently at McVickers Estates until she suffered a stroke in May 2022.
After recovering from her stroke, she transitioned into Hogarth Manor (Spruce) in October 2022 where she met many new friends and was very well cared for. Mom was predeceased by her parents & mother and father In-law, husband Donald Douglas, son Garry Douglas, brothers Martti, Joe & Sulo Wirkkunen, sister in law Janet Wirkkunen, plus numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews and family members in Finland & Sweden.
She is survived by her two daughters Donna/Don Pento (and extended family Donna/Clem Baier& family, Deb/Bill Bray & Family, Crystal Pento/John Mancuso & family) and Gayle Douglas; grandson Will Langlois and Jenni, daughter in law Janet Armstrong, brother in law Dave Douglas & Rosalie plus numerous nieces and nephews from both the Wirkkunen and Douglas Family, Mom will be sadly missed by many family & friends including her close friend Kellie Wierikko. Though we have heavy hearts, we find solace in knowing that our mom is at peace and reunited with her family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Our Hearts at Home” at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital or St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m., at Sargent & Son Funeral Home. The service will also be livestreamed via Sargent & Son’s Facebook page. Please share fond memories at www.sargentandson.com.
“I am but a stranger here… Heaven is my home.”
