Mom passed away at Yucalta Lodge full care facility in Campbell River, BC. She was born in Finland where she grew up and married Lauri Syrjala. Then in 1952 with three young children in tow, she came to Sointula, BC and became involved in the community. She was on the cemetery committee for many years helping in the kitchen for the many weddings at the FO hall. She had her loom where she would weave many traditional Finnish rugs.
Later in life she went to work in the cookhouse for McDonald Cedar where she met her loving partner George Demorest. They worked together in the logging industry traveling around the coast, later they owned Sointulas only restaurant the Welcome Inn. She then went on to home care working and helping her elderly friends in Sointula.
After retiring she made her home in Campbell River. She loved her home, her flower garden, her family, to laugh and have fun, she would knit and crochet doilies for everyone! Never sitting idle!
Many thanks to the care aides, volunteers and nurses at Yucalta lodge who were so kind and took such good care of mom in her last years.
Predeceased by her loving partner George Demorest, Ex Lauri Syrjala, son Norman, daughter Lena, and son Mikko, who sadly joined mom in heaven on Jan 27, leaving daughter Kaija to grieve. Plus, grandchildren Bernice, Barb, Steven, Nadine (Barry), Peter (Kristi), Michael (Pam), Greg (Kelly), Melissa (Paul), Darren, Christa, Jana and David (Melissa), and many great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews who still live in Finland. Mom will be greatly missed.
Service to be held at Sointula cemetery on Saturday, February 2nd, at 2:30 pm with coffee to follow at the Seniors Centre.