1946 – 2026
Tiina James, 79 years old, from Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2026, surrounded by her daughter Tiina-Britt, son Stephen and husband Hector (Jim).
Born on December 8, 1946, in Sweden to Valentina (Noor) and Otto Heloste while they fled Estonia and the Soviet Union at the end of WW2. The family emigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Later on, they moved to Toronto for better opportunities for Tiina and her sisters; it was there she met Hector.
Mum and Dad got married on August 26, 1967, before relocating to Fort William, Ontario. Mum worked as a teacher while Dad completed his teaching degree at Lakehead University. As Dad began his career in teaching, Mum dedicated herself to raising us kids. She later changed her path and graduated from Confederation College in 1988 with an Honours Diploma in Nursing. Mum spent three decades working as a nurse where she focused mainly on Concurrent Disorders and Addictions.
Mum was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt; but her favorite title was “Ga Ga”! Together with Dad they enjoyed traveling around the world; during summers we would often go to Southern Ontario to spend time with family or explore different parts of Canada. Tiina also loved knitting, sewing, reading books, doing crosswords, gardening, cooking delicious meals and hosting family gatherings.
Tiina is survived by her husband of nearly six decades Hector (Jim); children Kim Millian (Scott Ferguson), Tiina-Britt (Robert) Keetch, Stephen James and David James; along with 11 beloved grandchildren: Sean(Betty), Connor and Leanne Ferguson; Aleksander (Lois) and Emily (Jorge) Augruso; Rebekka and Kolton Keetch; Ethan (Emily), Marcus and Alexa (Joshua) James; Isaac James. She also leaves behind her sisters Kristina (Brian) Shappee and Jenny (Paul) Le Avey along with brother-in-law Leslie (Pow Lin) James. She will be missed by nephews and nieces including David (Alla) Shappee; Kyle (Melissa) Le Avey; Mikael (Laura) Le Avey; Brittany (Clay) Goodwin along with their family; Fiona (Rupinder) Sahsi and family; Catriona;, Isbel;, Alasdair James.
Tiina is predeceased by her parents Valentina and Otto Heloste as well as mother-in-law Doris James father-in-law Leslie James aunt Veronika Vahter cousin Hans Nurmeots infant niece Kristen Le Avey.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Gord Crawford NP along with Lisa from Fort William Clinic the palliative care team NP Richard too. We appreciate Northwest Funeral Alternative for treating Mum with dignity on her final journey. Our family would like to thank Kim Jenny who supported Mum through these last months as well as Ethan Marcus Alexa Kristina Brian Kelly David Alla who comforted Mum during her final days while helping us at home after Mum’s passing. Thank you also for everyone who reached out called sent flowers gift baskets meals or shared comforting words.
Cremation has taken place Interment along with a celebration of life will happen at a later date. If you’d like instead of sending flowers please consider donating to a charity that matters or plant a tree perennials or create a garden in memory of Tiina.
Always remembered. Always in our hearts. We love you Tiina, Mum
Maga vaikselt, puhka rahus. Südamed on Sinuga.
(Sleep quietly rest in peace. Our hearts are with you.)
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
