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BORN
1917
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Elizabeth Kouhi Obituary
Elizabeth Kouhi, aged 100 years, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday morning, January 5, 2018, at Roseview Manor. Elizabeth was born in Lappe, Ontario, on November 24, 1917, to Aliina (Keisteri) and Antti Kaija. She served in the RCAF in Toronto during WWII, graduated from McGill University in 1949 and then went to teach in Raith where she met her husband, George. The couple moved to Fort William with their four children in 1958 and Elizabeth continued her teaching career at Lakehead College, Northwood High School, and Sir Winston Churchill High School where she taught for many years. The camp at Warnica Lake, from the early sixties onward, was a place of refreshment and inspiration. After retirement she had a second career as a writer of poetry and children's fiction and travelled extensively with her husband George, including trips to Finland, the land of their ancestors. Elizabeth's faith in Jesus and her love of poetry were the most important things in her life in addition to her love for family and friends. Elizabeth and George were charter members of Calvary Lutheran Church and active in congregational life. They also supported the Association for Community Living and its predecessors, with Elizabeth editing the newsletter for many years. She was the first recipient of the Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop Kouhi Award, established to recognize “outstanding contributions to the literature of Northwestern Ontario” and named by her fellow writers in her honour.
Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband George (2000) and her brother Martin Kaija (1978). She is survived by her four children, Christine Kouhi Hallemeier (Dennis Hallemeier), Aline Kouhi-Klemencic (Tony Klemencic), Philip Kouhi, and Emily Kouhi-Lavender (Dan Lavender); ten grandchildren, Nora, Katherine, Frances, Julia, Jonathan, Jane, Michael, Isabel, Pauline, and Stephen; seven great grandchildren; four nieces and one nephew; and sister-in-law, Ruth Olafson.
Funeral service will be Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11:00am in Calvary Lutheran Church with Rev. Tim Barone officiating. Interment to take place in Lappe Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Friday evening 6-8pm in the Blake Funeral Chapel.
The family wishes to thank the staffs at Glacier Ridge and Roseview Manor who took good care of Elizabeth. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Community Care or Canadian Lutheran World Relief or to a charity of your choice.
Elizabeth Kouhi will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 10, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Kouhi
Sponsored by Blake Funeral Chapel.
20 Entries
Cindy Oliver
January 19, 2018
Aline, Chris, Phillip, Emily and your families my sympathies to you all. Your mother was an inspiration to many from all those she taught over the years to those she reached with her writing and to the successful children she and your dad raised. It's been decades now but when I was an undergrad at Lakehead, Aline would invite me over to your house for a good meal and occasional sleepover to take a break from residence life. Your mom was an amazing cook and I developed quite an appreciation for Finnish baking, but the conversation around the table was what made the evening. Your mom had a beautiful smile; all that was in her heart shone through it. No matter how old our parents get, their passing leaves us feeling empty. May our Lord's blessings fill your hearts with your mother's love.
Donna Sellers
January 17, 2018
With deep sympathies for your loss. May God help your hearts as you grieve.
January 13, 2018
Our sincere deep condolence to all of you. Betty ( Lempi to us ) was an extraordinary woman. We will always remember her zest for life, smile and kindness.
Liisa & Veikko, Tuukka and Taru with families, Eija from Finland
January 12, 2018
My deepest condolences to your family. I have fond memories of Elizabeth from the days of the poetry group at the college.
Helen Roininen
Karen Kaija
January 12, 2018
There are so many good memories of time spent with Aunt Betty but one that keeps popping into my head is when she said that I could talk about anything, from cabbages to kings. Another is the house on North Norah Street, the smell of cinnamon buns, or pulla, and everyone reading.
January 11, 2018
Dear Cousins, Aunt Betty was truly a light in this world. She inspired many, including me, but first and foremost she was family. When Dad, (her brother) died when I was 11, Aunt Betty is the one that I remember giving me comfort and in later years filling a void when mom passed away and I had young children. She will be remembered always.
With love to you all, Cousins Susie, Joe, Julia, Adam and Richard Capogna (Kaija)
Lois Lawrence
January 10, 2018
Mrs. Kouhi was my English teacher in my senior grades at Churchill Highschool in the late sixties. Her classes were interesting and her fieldtrips were unforgettable. It was important to sit in the forest to just listen, and to jot notes to turn into poetry later. When we heard that she'd written a novel, my mom sent me a copy of 'Jamie of Fort William' which I read to my grade 5/6 class here in B.C. I enjoyed our brief meetings when I visited back in Thunder Bay over the years. She was a fine woman -- very inclusive -- and a wonderful teacher.
Connie Murdoch
January 10, 2018
Mrs. Kouhi was my English teacher in high school. Years later when my children were reading Sara Jane of Silver Islet in school, I told my daughter this. She acted like I knew a famous celebrity. The children loved that book. My condolences to the family.
SHEILA PEPPER
January 9, 2018
I have many happy memories of times Alan
and I spent at the Kouhi home at Christmas
and camp in the summer. Rest in peace, Betty!
Condolences to all the family. I remember you all well.
Sheila Pepper
Marion Hollinger
January 9, 2018
Elizabeth was a great blessing to the editors and readers of Tapestry, the magazine of LWML-Canada.
Donna Allam
January 9, 2018
To Elizabeth's family:
She lived a good life and was a kind and gentle presence to those who knew her. We are very sorry for you loss. May God's Peace be with you during this sorrowful time.
Donna (Kernaghan) Allam
Amanda Young
January 9, 2018
Aunt Betty was always an inspiration to members of my family who admired her writing but also her kindness and accomplishments as a professional woman. She made quite an impression on me. Rest in peace Aunt Betty.
Cathy Hovi
January 8, 2018
My condolences to the family. She was a wonderful lady and great friend to my Mom, Kirsti Hovi for many years. She will be remembered and missed.
Mary Obljubek
January 8, 2018
My deepest condolences. What a long and wonderful life. She accomplished so much. I fondly remember her drop-ins at their home during the Christmas season.
She always had a smile on her face. Rest in peace Elizabeth.
God Bless
Mary Obljubek
Julie Whittard (Kaija)
January 8, 2018
I remember Aunt Betty as unflappable and thoughtful, even when our family visited. Her cinnamon filled the house with wonderful smells and her welcome was always gracious. She cared about us children, and we always knew it. Special condolences to my cousin Phillip. God be with you in your sadness.
Vera Woischwill
January 8, 2018
Betty will be greatly missed but her warmth, kindness and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends.
Vera Woischwill and Family
January 8, 2018
My deepest condolences. When I was just a teenager, out on my own and newly arrived in Thunder Bay, Great-Aunt Betty's kindness introduced me to a part of the Kouhi family I had never met. Over the years she expanded my connections to more of Grandpa's siblings and their families, making me proud to share the Kouhi name. My husband & I enjoyed listening to the family stories she shared. A wonderful lady that will be missed. - Beverly Kouhi Soloway & Neil Soloway
January 8, 2018
I fondly remember Elizabeth's warm friendly smile during my five years teaching at SWC and was always happy to hear of her latest writing. Margo Remus Joseph
Perry Greico
January 8, 2018
I remember also her teaching us at Agnew Johnson Elementary back in the early 70's too. Very nice soul. !00....well done.
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