Shirley Ann Jalava

Shirley Ann Jalava, age 71 years, passed away peacefully at TBRHSC with her family and friends by her side on Sunday, January 7, 2018. 

Shirley was 4th born, of 11 siblings in Port Arthur, Ontario on July 14, 1946. 
She had moved to British Columbia while raising her children, but her heart later returned her to Thunder Bay; the city she was so proud of, to make her home. 

As many knew her, Mummu was the most kind-hearted woman ever. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing her would agree. She cared for everyone who had come into her life.

She loved crocheting dishcloths, she was always making sure everyone’s drawers were full, with ever only keeping a few for herself. Mummu loved playing cards, going to the casino, playing TV Bingo with family and it meant the world to her when she was treated to a special night of Bingo with dear friends and her gift in return was to bake them her famous carrot cake. With the simplest ingredients, Mummu would whip up a few of her specialties, with her cabbage rolls being the best in town!

She loved her salt fish sandwiches and that deep-dish apple pie. Shirley was a card; she was always cracking jokes and loved to make others laugh. She enjoyed old country music with her favorite artist being “Georgie” Jones. She was fortunate enough to have seen him in concert; even when he forgot the words, she didn’t. 

Grandma/Mummu/Iso Mummo adored all of her grandchildren and never passed up a moment to tell those who would lend an ear. Visits with her Great Grandson, Liam always warmed her heart. 
Auntie Shirley loved her nieces and nephews dearly, cherishing all moments. She also had many dear friends and family who meant the world to her. She was forever making new friends; she established close relationships with everyone who crossed her path. 

Shirley is survived by her daughters Sheri Jalava and Tracy Jalava (Bob), grandchildren Ashley Morrison (Ian), Dennis Jalava (Jaime), Chelsea Anderson (Jesse), Sarah Jalava (Mika), Baylee Thorson, and one very special great grandson Liam Morrison. She is also survived by her siblings Robert Rissanen (Judy), Edward Rissanen (Lana), Richard Skramrud (Ida), and Linda Turner. 

She is predeceased by her parents Lauri Rissanen and Irene Paulson (Holger), Sisters Verna West, Marilyn Winters & Judith Rissanen; Brothers, Melvin Rissanen, Ronald Rissanen & Norman Skramrud. Honorable mention, Joan Czarnowski (Winslow) as well as the apple of her eye, her Granddaughter, Alysha Jalava. 

Our family would like to extend thanks to the comforting staff at the TBRHSC Cancer Centre, first responders and a special thank you to Dr. Exley. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Shirley may be made to Northern Cancer Fund.

“We know you would be here today, if heaven wasn’t so far away”- unknown.