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RAUTIAN, Orvokki

April 25, 2011 95

RAUTIAN, Orvokki (nee Hakamies) - passed away on April 1, 2011. She was a resident at Extendicare Falconbridge. Orvokki was born on December 15, 1915, in the village of Luumaki-Haakasen in Finland. She is predeceased by her parents and one brother. Her husband, Jack Rautian, Sr., passed away in 2002. She is survived by one son, Jack Rautian, Jr. During World War I she went to Viipuri where she acquired her elementary schooling and attended a Women's Institute where she learned the craft of sewing and stitching. Upon graduation, she attended Viipurin Tiedekoulu before going to Canada in 1933 as a 17 year old teenager via the Empress of Britain. She went to Toronto where she met her mother (Hilma Hakamies) who had previously come to Canada in 1928. When Orvokki arrived in Toronto she immediately acquired a job as a maid. Later, she became an apprentice in a shop that specialized in women's clothing. She worked for there for 5 years and became an accomplished seamstress. It was at this time she met Jack Rautian, her future husband, who was serving in Calgary for the Canadian Armed Forces. They became married on June 23, 1942. A son, Jack, Jr. was born in 1943. Following World War II, the family came to Sudbury. They resided for 4 years in Minnow Lake. Jack, Sr., worked for a time at Silverman's in the men's department before becoming a conductor for the CPR for 32 years. In the meantime, Orvokki acquired work in a woman's shop on Cedar Street where she honed her skills. To further her skills, she became a student of the Fashion Academy of New York. She then became a temporary partner in a retail outlet called the The Dressmaking Shop, Later, Orvokki and Jack, Sr., acquired a property on the Kingsway known as the Sunset Lingerie Manufacturing Corporation and Apartments. She continued her work as a seamstress until her retirement. During her career, she served as a Voluntary Nurse for the Canadian Red Cross Society. She was also a lifetime member of the Toronto Finnish- Canadian Seniors Centre. In 2007 she became a resident at Extendicare Falconbridge. At Orvokki's request, there will be no visitation or memorial service. Donations on her behalf can be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the JACKSON AND BARNARD FUNERAL HOME. To light a memorial candle, flowers, donations or messages of condolences available on-line at www.lougheed.org



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