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The family announces with great sorrow the death of their loving mother Kerttu Saima Haapamaki on July 30th, 2021 at the age of 98 years. Kerttu was born in Kuopio Finland, December 31, 1922 to Emil and Alma Kaipiainen (nee Savolainen) . Predeceased by her siblings Kalevi, Pauli and Leo all in Finland. Beloved wife of VainoHaapamaki (predeceased). Loving mother of Timo (Lynne) of Sudbury, Matti (Pierrette) of Espanola and Seppo (Peigi) of Cochenour. Proud grandmother of Trevor, Eric, Laura, Paul and Aaron. Great grandmother of Riley, Emily, Abigail, Jude, Hugo and Clara Lynne.

Kerttu emigrated from Finland in 1951 with her husband and 2 children (Timo and Matti) to begin a new life in Canada settling in Sudbury a short time later where Seppo was born in 1955.She worked in retail sales at Mary’s Ladies Wear and Lavignes before taking on a job driving school bus. She was active in the Finnish community throughout the years hosting the weekly Finnish Hour radio show on CKSO, participating in various Finnish theatre productions, art shows and the Finnish Male Choir Ladies Auxiliary.

She was one of the initial pioneers of Finlandia Retirement Home and the last surviving founding Board of Directors member.Kerttu was a strong, independent woman with many talents which included sculpture, painting and music. She had a large circle of friends and loved spending time at the “camp” on Carlyle Lake. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date once restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SISU Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home.

 

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Provided by: Lougheed Funeral Homes



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