EIJA NIIVILA

December. 21, 1955 - May 5, 2024

Surrounded by her loving family, Eija Elisabeth Niivila (Pihlaja), passed away peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on May 5, 2024, following a brief illness. We mourn the loss of a dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

She was born December 21, 1955 in Jalasjarvi, Finland. Immigrating to Canada with her family in 1971. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Ernie. Together they made a home in Lappe and raised 2 sons, Mika and Tapio.

Eija enjoyed working with people and along with her beautiful smile and happy demeanor, she entered a career in the restaurant industry. Working at several restaurants on Bay St. as a server, as well as manager of The Hoito Restaurant where she remained until her retirement. We're sure many patrons would agree that the Hoito would never be the same without Eija's smiling face. She also studied book keeping at Confederation College and used the skills keeping the books for Ernie's business of Hawkeye Forest Products.

The door at Ernie and Eija's was always open for family and friends. Frequently greeted with Eija's warm smile saying 'come in, sit down and we'll put on some coffee". All the while talking to the pets who also shared a great love for her, too.

Eija greatly enjoyed knitting and helping others. Being so kind and talented, she agreed to knit Teddy Bears for the Dutch Church who then sent out Eija's made Teddy Bears along with a care package to children in third world countries. One can only imagine the big smile on a child's face as they received one of the beautiful, colourful hand made Teddy Bears.

Eija will be deeply missed by her husband Ernie; sons Mika (Ava-Lisa) and Tapio (Heather); grandchildren, Mitcheall, Arron, Jayden and Ethan and great-grandaughter Alivia. Sisters, Tuula, Leena and Monica; niece Ella and nephew Marcus; brother-in-law Raymond (Judy) Niivila; sister-in-law Lorraine (Rainer) Partanen; dear cousin, Tarmo Pihlaja as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in both Canada and Finland.

Predeceased by her mother, Raakeli; father, Eino Pihlaja; step-mother Eeva Pihlaja; and parents-in-law Olavi (Lillian) Niivila as well as other relatives in Canada and Finland.

A Celebration of Eija's life will take place in later this summer. A notice will appear prior to the service.

Cremation has been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Ave.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to a Charity of Your Choice.

Please sign the online condolences at everestthunderbay.com