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March 17, 1930 - January 24, 2023
After a long and exemplary life, Paula Pera passed away on January 24th, 2023 with her daughters by her side and in the natural way that she had wanted.
Mom was born Paula Kerttu Lindberg in Enso, Finland on March 17th, 1930 to Aili and Arne Lindberg, the middle of 3 girls.
The family endured WWII and settled in Lahti as their home was now part of Russia. She met and then married Paul (Paavo) Pera in December 1950. In April 1953, they immigrated to northern Vancouver Island and welcomed their first child, a few months later. They would have 3 more children at the hospital in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island.
They lived in a small logging camp called Kokish, near Beaver Cove, Vancouver Island. Mom told stories of going to the hospital in a water taxi to have her children and although this camp was isolated, the family enjoyed a wonderful sense of community.
Once all the children were born, they decided to move south on the island, spending one year in Nanaimo and then settling in the Cowichan Valley. Paula would go to work at Somenos Lake Farm and The Doghouse, as well as raising her family, growing a large garden, sewing, needlework, and many pets and farm animals. Mom provided a warm home, welcoming friends and family with wonderful food and hospitality.
As the boys grew and left home, they decided to move to Victoria where the girls would finish high school. Mom worked at Coffee Mac's as their baker extraordinaire, cleaned offices and then found employment at the Beehive Wool Shop which was really one of her favourite environments.
The next move brought them to Abbotsford where they enjoyed helping with grandchildren and embarking upon retirement. Mom enjoyed a slightly slower pace (for Mom) and created beautiful homes and gardens.
In 2001, they returned to the Cowichan Valley. Paul would pass in 2007 and Paula spent her time with her children, grandchildren, neighbours and friends. She loved her little home doing her crafts, gardening, baking and enjoying her pets.
Paula was predeceased by her husband Paul (2007) and son Allan (2021).
She is survived by Timo (Carolyn), Laila, and Lisa; grandchildren, Krista (Oliver), Alix, Paul, and Elena; and great-grandchildren, Joey and Benjamin.
We will be having a gathering to celebrate Mom and all of the family on Saturday, March 18th in our local community hall. Please contact one of us for details.
Flowers gratefully declined but donations can be made to the BC Transplant Society which has meant a lot to our family.
Sisu is a Finnish word that means, at its core, determination. If there is a word that crosses Sisu with grace, that would be our Mom.
Rest in well deserved peace, Mummo.
Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com

 H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre

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Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, March 18, 2023
11:41 AM
Contact the family for details


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