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Anna-Liisa POIKONEN Obituary

April 21st, 1929 – December 23rd, 2011.

Liisa grew up, the eldest of four sisters, on a farm in Punkalaidun, Finland. At age 28, wanting a new adventure, she immigrated to Canada. With little English, Liisa worked as a housekeeper in Montreal before coming to B.C., where she met and married Aimo Henry Poikonen. She studied culinary arts at Malaspina College, becoming an accomplished cook, baker, and bed and breakfast hostess. Her greatest joy was her family: daughter Paula Waatainen, son-in-law Jeff, precious grandsons Nathan and Henry, and baby granddaughter Jane. Predeceased by Aimo and sister Hanna, Liisa is survived by Paula's family, sisters Kerttu and Paula, and nieces in Finland. Liisa loved to host coffee parties, and so we invite friends to one in her honour on Sunday, January 8th, 2:00 pm, at 5359 Bayshore Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association (Mid-Island Branch).

This obituary was originally published in the Nanaimo Daily News and Harbour City Star (Nanaimo, BC).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Nanaimo Daily News and Harbour City Star on Dec. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Anna-Liisa POIKONEN

4 Entries

January 4, 2012

Anna-Liisa was instrumental in connecting me, Jim Alton, with our relatives in Finland. Armo Alten forwarded this obituary today from Jaarvenpaa Finland. Our plan is to attend Sunday's memorial.

January 1, 2012

I'm sad to say I won't be able to make it to your coffee party in your Mum's honour. WE offer our condolences as you grieve her death. Sincerely, Deb, Jonathan and Samantha

Karen Truesdale

December 30, 2011

I remember attending your chistening, Paula, and how your Mom nervously let me hold you. She loved you so much and, I'm sure was afraid that I was going to drop you! Liisa's baking was magic and a little bit exotic to us conveying scents and flavours from our grandmother's family homeland. I will remember Liisa's smile and always warm greeting. Love, your cousin, Karen.

December 29, 2011

I can remember your Mom's joyful smile and her soft laughter as we went for our daily swims down by the ferry... neighbourhood kids would join us.
As we swam, ducks and swans would circle us.... It was a magic place! Paula and Jeff, no wonder you and your sons love the water so much! Each year we seemed to start the season earlier... creeping up to the beginning of May. Your Mom would just wade right in.... I'd be somewhat slower... but would be looking forward to coffee and your Mom's famous almond cookies.

Love and fond memories,
Janet

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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