Irma left us on September 1, 2024, after giving most cancers a radical run for its cash. A beloved mom, grandmother, sister, and good friend. She was the embodiment of SISU, dealing with the various challenges life threw at her with bravery, grace, willpower, and humour.
Born in Port Arthur, Ontario on Might 2, 1960, she attended St. James Public College and Lakeview Excessive College earlier than shifting to southern Ontario the place she attended Humber Faculty. After rising her household in Brampton, Ontario she returned to Thunder Bay in 2012.
She labored in Data Know-how, Programs Evaluation and Software program Improvement for firms in southern Ontario and Thunder Bay. All benefited from her experience and powerful work ethic.
Nonetheless, at the start in significance was her household. She was proudest of her kids Katja and James. Whether or not as an ardent hockey mother attending each follow and sport or as a sensible mentor guiding them via life selections, her children knew they have been unconditionally cherished and supported. The arrival of her 4 grandchildren gave her even higher pleasure.
Irma was cherished by those that got here to know her. She made others really feel snug and accepted. Form, compassionate and fast witted, she nurtured friendships all through her life.
Irma cherished good espresso, good music, good dialog, and particularly an excellent chortle. Her expressions and witticisms typically outrageous, usually inappropriate however at all times humorous have change into a part of our household vocabulary.
She loved going up north to the cottage, and cherished being by Lake Superior, usually exploring its shores together with her sisters. She affectionately known as the Sleeping Large her boyfriend.
Lately, regardless of the recurrence of her most cancers, she travelled to see her daughter’s dwelling in Yellowknife, her grandchildren in Stroud, Ontario and achieved objectives of seeing new locations – Newfoundland, Jamaica and Eire.
She was predeceased by her dad and mom Anni and Kauko Koivisto. She leaves behind daughter, Katja Milner (Fisher Cogdale); son, James Milner (Melissa); grandchildren, James, Madison, Emma and Hailey; sisters, Tarja Heiskanen (Roger Curtis) and Margit Koivisto (Ken Eisen); nieces, Aliisa Heiskanen, Helena Heiskanen, Maija Eisen and lots of associates.
Her household want to thank the nurses and docs of St. Joseph’s Hospice for his or her care, and for “getting” her sense of humour. To the Most cancers Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Well being Science Centre, particularly to Dr. Aseyev, Dr. Anthes, Dr. Ward, and Dr. Simpson for his or her care and compassion.
A celebration of Life shall be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 2-4pm on the Present River Neighborhood Centre – 450 Dewe Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations might be made to Canadian Blood Providers or to St Joseph’s Basis of Thunder Bay – St Joseph’s Hospice in Irma’s title.
Condolences could also be made via www.nwfainc.com
