Mrs. Raija Anneli Himanen (nee Kilpilahti), age 72 years, passed away peacefully on October 5th, 2017, at Pinewood Court, surrounded by her family. Her firm faith in Jesus supported her in her illness and gave her peace.
Raija was born in Korpilahti, Finland. She moved to Canada with her husband and family in 1968. She was keen to start her life here and she diligently studied English while working various jobs to help care for her family. Later she graduated as a registered nurse's assistant in 1984, after which she enjoyed working at various nursing homes in the city, the last being Pioneer Ridge. Raija was blessed with the gift and heart of a caregiver.
Raija's passion was her family, which included her children and her grandchildren. She was always eager to be a part of their lives. She always lit up when her grandchildren came to a visit. Raija made everyone feel as if they were the most important person at that moment. Everything she did was fueled by her love for her husband and family.
Raija was an active member in the Finnish Free Church, where she served her community wholeheartedly. She also enjoyed travelling with her husband.
Raija will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Pauli; her son John (Eva); her son Peter (Joanne), her son Marcus (Rebecca); her son Michael (Sarah); her daughter Catherine (Kimmo); her grandchildren Joshua, Stephanie, Julia, Matthew, Mikaela, Lauren, Ashley, Lucy, Elsa, Abigail and Leila; her mother Aune Kilpilahti and her sister Erja Peacey.
Raija was predeceased by her brother Erkki Kilpilahti.
Funeral Services for Raija will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, with Rev. Jari Lahtinen presiding. Visitation for family and friends will take place one hour prior to the service time. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations in Raija’s memory may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund or a charity of choice.
