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Mrs. Raili Pietila, age 91 years, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at Hogarth Riverview Manor.

Raili was born February 1, 1931 in Evijarvi, Finland to Manda and Nicoli Alanko. She was the second youngest of seven children. In 1955, Raili and Vilho immigrated to Canada to start a new life together. They settled in Port Arthur and became part of the Finnish community. Once her children got older, she went to work at Dawson Court. Raili and Vilho were very active in cross country skiing, fishing and berry picking. Raili had a very strong faith in her church. She sang in the church choir and volunteered in the kitchen, cooking for church fundraisers.

Raili was very supportive of her sons in skiing, hockey and baseball. You could find her in any arena watching her grandson, Ryan, play hockey. She was very proud of her daughter and granddaughters as they pursued their life goals.

Raili is survived by her beloved children, Lea (Allan), Roy, and Jari (Joan). She was Mummu to Jaana (Rob), Jennifer (Darcy), Sara (Andy), Erin, Ryan (Jessica) and Great-Mummu to Lila and Nora. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Canada and Finland.

A special thank you goes out to the staff of the Walford and Hogarth 4S. Your wonderful care and compassion is greatly appreciated. Thank you to Liisa and Jari Lahtinen of Hilldale Lutheran Church and Steve Robertson of Hogarth for their spiritual care.

Raili’s legacy to her family is her Finnish Sisu. Her strength of will, her determination and her perseverance carried her through her life. The last few years were not easy for Mom but she travelled that road with dignity and grace.

Private Funeral Services were held in Hilldale Lutheran Church with the Rev. Jari Lahtinen officiating. Interment was held in Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice.




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