Mavis Lehto

Mavis Lehto (nee Wilson), age 91 years, passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 5, 2018, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC).

Mavis was born on March 29, 1926 in Fort William, Ontario.

Mavis was a skilled and avid knitter. She would sit for hours working on her creations. And for many years one of the joys of her life was getting together with a group of friends to knit and socialize. Mavis cherished the lifelong friendships she made at 'knitting club'.

Mavis was also an animal lover, and there was always at least one dog, and sometimes multiple dogs and cats, that were members of the Lehto family household.
But what was most important to Mavis was her family. From an early age she devoted her life to building a family. And in her later years her greatest joy was getting visits from her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. Although she would be too modest to acknowledge it herself, Mavis was always the heart and soul of the Lehto family. 

Mavis always faced the world with grace and a quiet dignity. But behind the quiet demeanour was a feisty inner strength and fierce independence, as well as a wry sense of humour that served her well for her nearly 92 years. And while she was generally too humble and respectful to impose her opinions on others with a lot of words, those closest to her knew that she was very adept at using her sharp wit, or even just a look, to communicate her feelings and her keen insights. A proud woman, Mavis was able to live on her own, in her own home, right up until the end. She left life as she lived it - on her own terms.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at TBRHSC, especially Dr. Salim, nurses Carly, Kayla, and Brooke, and other staff on 3A. Your kindness and the respectful, professional care Mavis received is very much appreciated. We also extend great thanks to the paramedics (we're sorry we did not get names) who attended to Mavis at her home on February 3rd. Mavis, true to her independent nature, did not want to accept help from anyone, especially when it meant leaving her home. And the patience and compassion you exhibited while helping us convince her that she needed urgent care was amazing.
Mavis will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Wendy Zimaro (Jim), Bill Lehto, Patricia Wotton (Dave), Deborah Maki (Mike), Michael Lehto (Darlene), and Laura Vanasse, her grandchildren, Angie, Aimee, Tony, Terry, Paul, Dennis, John, Lynne, Stan, Michael, Vanessa, Jordan, Olivia, Joy, Bill, Tom, and Ed, as well as numerous great grandchildren, her sister, Doreen Wilson, and her faithful Westie terrier, Molly. 

Mavis was predeceased by the love of her life, William Lehto (1987).

According to her wishes, there will be no formal service for Mavis. A private family service will be held. If anyone so desires, donations may be made in memory of Mavis to Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), or to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.