Diana Lydia Ilkka

1935 - 2022

The children of Diana Lydia Ilkka, wish to announce her peaceful passing on February 22, 2022 in Pioneer Ridge after a long heart wrenching battle with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 87.

Born in Wolfe Siding on January 11, 1935, Diana was raised on the family farm in Silver Mountain by her parents Maimie & Walter Hunnakko along with her sisters & brothers and shared many wonderful memories of her growing up years. She moved to Port Arthur in her late teens and worked at Arneo's restaurant and then started her career with the Ontario Hospital (LPH) as a dietary aid, a job she loved.

Diana married Risto Kujala in 1955 and raised 3 children in the Current River area with a brief move to Nolalu in the mid 70's.

She was remarried in 1982 to Robert Ilkka and they spent 35 joyful years together until his passing in 2017. Diana & Bob loved being with their grandsons, family gatherings, travelling to Vancouver Island, going to their cabin, visiting at the farm, visiting with friends, fishing at Icaras, walking around Boulevard lake, entertainment at the Auditorium and Magnus, going for coffee, overall, just enjoyed their life and the people in it. She was always thoughtful and loved all of her family and never missed an opportunity to show how much she cared. As Helen pointed out, when the Birthday & Christmas cards stopped coming, we all knew something was very wrong.

Diana is predeceased by her parents, brother Wesley, brothers in law Don Annala and Ted Maki, former husband Risto Kujala, grandson Dylan Wreggitt and by husband Robert Ilkka.

Mom is lovingly remembered by daughters Donna-Lynn Pringle and Terri-Ann
Kujala, son Chris Jonathan Ilkka (Emma) BC, grandsons Derek Hymers and Lucas Ilkka. Also by sisters Violet Maki, Mom's other pea in the pod, Eleanor McLean (Bruce) Helen Matthews, Mae Hunnakko and brothers Ray (Arlette) and Leo, numerous nieces & nephews and their families.

Thank you to the Angels of Pioneer Ridge Plaza One for taking such good care of Diana when we no longer could and during, who would have thought, a pandemic and to Eleanor for all of her support. Cremation has taken place with a private internment to be held later in the year where Mom & Dad will be laid to rest together at Sunset Memorial Gardens. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society are greatly appreciated.

“Storms never last do they Baby, bad times all pass with the wind. Your hand in mine stills the thunder, you make the sun want to shine.”

~Waylon & Jessi

Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com