Ellen Koivukoski

May 18, 1925 – August 3, 2015

It is with great gratitude that we remember our “Miracle Mom”, Ellen Koivukoski who passed away peacefully at her Farrand Street home last year, just after her 90th birthday.

It is also with gratitude that we remember all those who helped her and enriched her life in so many ways.

The doctors and caregivers at the Heart Institute in Ottawa, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre and Dr. Ek gave her ten more years to live independently. The nurses from Bayshore, especially Joyce Sottile who became a trusted friend, helped to maintain her health and gave the family comfort both during her living and in her passing. George's Market delivered fresh produce and foodstuffs. Henry kept her yard looking beautiful in the summer and free of snow in the winter. Her, as she called them “Farrand Street Angels”, Don and Peter were at her home to help her whenever needed. She enjoyed the company of her brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews on outings, in her home and over the phone.

We, the Koivukoski family, would also like to thank those who provided care and comfort to Mom and to us during her final days and at the funeral and after. Palliative Care worker, Amy, nurses Joyce and Mickey, night nurse, Amelda, gave her comfort. Pastor Matthew Diegel of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church was with her and us and gave a beautiful tribute to Mom at the service. Darlene Taylor provided lovely music and accompaniment on the organ. The ladies of the church made sure there was coffee at a busy time of the year. Grandson Toivo gave a heartfelt eulogy and along with grandson Jaanan, nephews John and Michael Hartviksen, Farrand Street Angels Don Furlotte and Peter Nicholas, acted as pallbearers. Special thanks goes to the staff of the Harbourview Funeral Centre under the direction of Ray Leino and Michael Uitto who were most helpful and sensitive at a difficult time.

Our gratitude is also extended to all of the friends and relatives from Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Vancouver, Santa Rosa and other Canadian cities who sent cards, donations, flowers, food and warm caring hugs and wishes.

We all miss our Miracle Mom so much, but are forever grateful for her strength, caring and love.

~Kim, Kai and Moyra, Paul and Glenda and Miriam