Surrounded with the love and support of her family, Raija Kaarina Saarela (nee Huhtala) passed away peacefully on Monday September 2, 2024 at the age of 81.
Devoted and loving wife of Rainer Saarela for 62 years. Forever in each others hearts.
Raija was born in Metsamaa Finland to the late Vaino and Laina Huhtala.
Dear sister of Ilmi Ohlson and the late ( Jean ) of Sweden. Brother Osmo ( Riita) and the late ( Irmeli) Huhtala of Finland. Sister Paula and the late (Timo) of Finland.
Nephew Harri Huhtala (Teija) and Niece Hanna Huhtala (Mika) also of Finland.
Beloved mother of Aija Maria Keating (Dale). Cherished Mummo of Late first Grandchild (Erika Laina Keating), Zakari Mikael Keating of British Columbia and Joshua Johannes Keating (Emily) of Huntsville.
Beloved mother of Joan Tuulikki Phillips ( Curtney). Cherished Mummo of Danika Maija Phillips (Troy) of California, Isaak Mikael Phillips ( Julianna) of Barrie.
Beloved mother of Michael Johannes Saarela ( Alana ).
Cherished Mummo of Emma Tuuli Saarela ( Brady) of Midland, Kai Michael Saarela (Avery) of Parry Sound.
Raija spent her childhood in Harjavalta, Finland and as a young adult she moved to Helsinki for work. Raija met Rainer there and the rest is history. If Rainer tells the story it was pretty much love at first site. They married soon after in February of 1961.
In the winter of 1967 with a 5 year old in tow Raija and Rainer made the bold decision to leave their beloved Finland and move to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They came in search of a new adventure and over the next several years they grew their family, found employment and learned a new language.
In 1976 they moved to Barrie Ontario and this has been their home ever since. Together, Raija and Rainer built a very successful business (Rainers Siding inc 1979). They spent their summers with the kids on Catchacoma Lake in the Kawartha Highlands where they enjoyed nature, fishing, sauna and swimming. They spent their winters in Lake Worth Florida and also in Harjavalta Finland with Raija’s family.
Raija was most proud of her Grandchildren. She followed all of their accomplishments with immense joy. She would have loved to have seen what more the future held for them.
Raija’s personality was larger than life, she walked to the beat of her own drum. One of her favourite pastimes was shopping and her kids new just where to find her if she wasn’t at home. She taught all of us the importance of knowing our Finnish language and heritage. Mostly she was a shinning example of what it means to have SISU.
Raija battled her last five years with Cancer and dementia. She and Rainer made their home at Victoria Village seniors residence and Raija eventually transitioned to Victoria Manor long term care. Rainer became a regular fixture on the 3rd floor where he visited every day and lovingly fed Raija lunch and dinner as well as taking her out on the patio for daily sunshine and fresh air.
Raija received exceptional care at Victoria Manor. The staff was attentive, caring and compassionate from top to bottom. We would like to thank the Windsor 3rd floor Nurses, PSW’s and other support staff from the bottom of our hearts. We are so grateful for all of you, and the peaceful transition you provided in her final days.
As per Raija’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. Raija wanted her family to remember her in private ( this was in keeping with how she lived her life).
Donations can be made to the Victoria Manor Long term care.
Lepaa Rauhassa Aiti.
1943-2024
“Gone Shopping”
Condolences can be shared at www.marshalldrivercremation.ca
LEGACY OF LOVE
A WIFE, A MOTHER, A GRANDMOTHER TOO,
THIS IS THE LEGACY WE HAVE FROM YOU
YOU TAUGHT US LOVE AND HOW TO FIGHT
YOU GAVE US STRENGTH, YOU GAVE US MIGHT.
A STRONGER PERSON WOULD BE HARD TO FIND,
AND IN YOUR HEART YOU WERE ALWAYS KIND.
YOU FOUGHT FOR US ALL IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
NOT JUST AS A WIFE NOT JUST AS A MOTHER.
FOR ALL OF US YOU GAVE YOUR BEST
AND NOW THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO REST.
SO GO IN PEACE, YOU’VE EARNED YOUR SLEEP,
YOUR LOVE IN OUR HEARTS WE’LL ETERNALLY KEEP.