Terttu Kaarina Paananen passed away peacefully at her residence in Pinewood Court on September 16, 2015. She was born in Karstula, Finland on February 28, 1929.
She married Eino Paananen in 1950. They immigrated to Canada in 1960 with six children, and four more were born later. The family moved several times for short stays in Saskatoon. South Gillies, Nakina, Kaministiqua and settling in Thunder Bay, and resided on Andrew Street for the past 29 years.
Mom, an amazing strong Finnish woman, lived true to the word SISU, meaning resilient, brave, determined. She loved her God, church, family and friends. Mom spent most of her life caring for her family but she also worked at Kestitupa and Kangas Sauna for several years. As a hardworking person she spent a lot of time outdoors at her beloved "Kami" where she made friends with the wild animals, even the bears.
Birds would never go hungry when she was there. Mom thrived at her cabin where she spent many days, winter and summer.
Although she liked to be alone in the quietness of nature with her beloved dog, Tepsu, she always welcomed family and friends. Coffee and pulla were ready whenever anyone would drop by. As a green thumb she loved gardening, often bringing new life to plants we brought her.
She enjoyed snow shoeing, skiing, fishing, walking, and biking. She raised her family unselfishly, ensuring children's needs were met allowing us to mature into successful adults. She was very proud of all her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. Mummu especially enjoyed having good times and laughter with her grandkids, and always loved their visits, and even babysat several of them. Her nine great-grandchildren brought her joy even when they lived far away, and always kept them close to her heart.
Mom enjoyed travelling with her family making several trips to Finland, within Canada, Minnesota, Florida, Mexico, Cuba and Barbados. Terttu was a founding member, along with her husband, of the Finnish Free Church since 1962, attending faithfully until her recent declining health, but her faith in Jesus remained strong. We will miss her tremendously, but happy that she's now strolling on the streets of Gold in Heaven.
Terttu is survived by children: Pirkko (Antti) Rytkonen, Simo (Terttu) Paananen, Maire (John) Pieda, Raimo (Lisa) Paananen, Elisa Millette, Saul (Darryl Williams) Paananen, Anita (Dave) Ball. Grandchildren Kevin, Tommy, Samuel, Annie, Christopher, Saara, Adam, Quentin, Chelsea and Dale. Also nine great-grandchidren. Terttu has four surviving sisters, nieces, nephews and other relatives in Finland.
Terttu was predeceased by husband, Eino, daughters Airi and Irma and infant son, Veikko. Parents Signe and Janne Kieranen, and brother Viljo and sisters Iines and Aino, of Finland.
As mom would say:
"Kaikki on Kukkelis-Kuu"
"Everything is Hunky-dory"
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Pastor Hank Polkki. Interment in Riverside Cemetery will follow the reception. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service. Donations may be made to The Salvation Army, Thunder Bay District Humane Society, or The Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.
Live broadcast of the Funeral may be viewed and on-line condolences offered at
www.harbourviewfuneral.ca
