GRASIS, Arija

GRASIS, Arija - In Loving Memory of Arija Grasis (nee Celmins) 88 Years. Passed away Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 at the Finlandia Nursing Home. Arija was born in Latvija on June 2, 1923. After completing her nursing education in Switzerland she moved with her husband Leonids, to Canada and they settled in Sudbury. Arija worked as a Registered Nurse and spent most of that time at the Sudbury Algoma Sanatorium, which then handled mostly tuberculosis patients. Rumour has it that she was a tough, but eminently fair boss while in supervision. She retired in 1988. After the death of her beloved husband in 1996, Arija devoted more of her time to cross country skiing, traveling and hiking with her faithful companion Sparky. She also loved to sing and spent many years as an alto with the Sudbury Philharmonic and Bel Canto choirs. When her children were younger they were brought along, often reluctantly, to enjoy Handel, Mozart, Mendelssohn and various other long dead and at the time, irrelevant composers. We have a different view of that experience now. As a mother and step-mother, she was tough and demanding, earning the nick- name 'the Countess' from her children's friends. Yet they were always welcome at her table for home made meals. In 2004 she began her journey with Alzheimer's which robbed her of her mind, but not her heart. In her lucid moments her primary concerns were for her grandchildren. Her journey came to a close on October 22, 2011. Arija leaves behind her daughters Dace Maenpaa (Willy) and Laima, her sons Juris (Eleanor) and Valdis (Marianne), grandchildren James, Deborah, Ellen, Sam, Kaija and Kalen and great grand children Aaron and Jessica. Resting at the JACKSON & BARNARD FUNERAL HOME 233 Larch St. Sudbury. Funeral Service in the R.J. Barnard Chapel Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 at 3 P.M. Cremation with entombment in the Parklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimer Society or Finlandia Nursing Home would be greatly appreciated. Friends may call 7-9 P.M. Tuesday and after 2 P.M. Wednesday. To light a memorial candle, donations or messages of condolences available on-line at www.lougheed.org