Sarah Albertson

Sarah Albertson (Suni) passed away on May 2, 2021 with family by her side. Born in Port Arthur in 1937, Sarah spent her childhood on the family dairy farm on Kivikoski Road. There, her love of animals and gardening developed and built the fortitude and feistiness she exhibited right to her last day.

Sarah excelled as a welcoming hostess, devoted wife and no nonsense loving mom. She was the iconic homemaker, sewing our matching dresses and baking the absolute best pies, sponge cakes and butter tarts. She was the unofficial kid taxi, cramming our friends into the station wagon to go to movies, birthdays and swimming at Surprise Lake. We will all miss her sassy spunk and her gift for the gab. She loved a cup of coffee and a long conversation. This beautiful woman danced her way into the heart of Art at the Kivikoski Hall and they married in 1957. Sarah and Art transformed their 10 acre lot into a beautiful park filled with trees and gardens. Dementia and the third reoccurrence of cancer may have taken away her ability to garden, but her green thumb continued to nurse plants back to life indoors where she rejoiced in their renewed colourful blossoms.

Sarah was proud of her family. She will be lovingly remembered by Art, her husband of 64 years and her daughters Karen (Adrian Heaps), Katherine (John Colthart), and Sandra (Sam Romeo); grandchildren Noah (Jess), Anna (Tyler), JJ (Lucy), Aaron, Jacqueline, Alena, Toby (Tasleem); step great-grandkids Zia and Isa; nieces Gaylene (Ron), Diane (Simon), Carol and nephew Len. Sarah is predeceased by her parents Edward and Helli; brothers Armas , Sulo, Lauri, Toivo, Aarne, Olavi; sisters Sirkka and Aili and niece Cheryl.

The family is grateful for the exceptional medical and home care providers, especially Dr. Zavagnin, Jessica LHIN, Aparna NP, nurses Georgette and Trina and homecare regulars Debbie, Imelda, Kylee, Rita, Colleen, Heather and Sherrie. You made it possible for mom and dad to remain together at home.

Our Sarah had Finnish SISU - she never shied away from hard work and difficulties, always quick to use her wry sense of humour. Prior to her last day, she asked why we were outside with our noses pressed against her hospital room’s window talking to her by cellphone. It was explained that we weren’t allowed in due to COVID rules, her response was, “Well to hell with that!” Heaven is preparing the coffee table as Sarah has arrived, and she has a lot of people to catch up with there.

Cremation has already occurred. Internment of her ashes and the Celebration of Life will be held early July when COVID restrictions ease. Those wishing to send condolences, a Sarah story or join us this summer, are asked to email salbertson@live.com. Leave contact info and we will send details when available. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to plant a tree or garden, or donate to the TBRHSF Northern Cancer Fund in memory of Sarah Albertson.