ELLEN POURU

ELLEN POURU
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved "Mummu", Ellen Pouru, the matriarch of the Pouru family. Born on January 24, 1932 in Hinnerjoki, Finland to Fredrik Julius and Fredrika Wilhelmina Vainio. She lived her life with a quiet, reserved sweetness, that had a way of making everyone she encountered feel welcome and comfortable. Mummu and Pappa created a life together in Canada, rich with family, friendship, laughter and love. Their many fishing and blueberry picking trips with dear friends Lyyli and Heikki Kosonen are fondly remembered.

Into their 90's, Mummu and Pappa could still be found blueberry picking with the kids and grandkids. They also liked to travel, which included many trips back to Finland, to Florida and Hawaii. Their last trip to Finland in 2015, with some family travelling along, was a tour throughout many family homesteads and personal memories. For over 50 years, Mummu and Pappa hosted an annual summer picnic at their camp on Warnica Lake. This celebration was looked forward to every summer and included the immediate family, nieces and nephew and families from Thunder Bay, and extended family travelling from as far as Finland, Alberta and Ottawa. It is a reflection of the warmth and hospitality they extended to all. Mummu is remembered for her unmatched baking and preserves; her pulla and jams were the best and carried her love into every home and heart.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 68 years, Taino, and her beloved children Arto (Judy) Pouru, Jari (Heather Lynn) Pouru and Tarja (Lyle) Knudsen. She was a devoted and involved Mummu to her grandchildren Erika (Charlie) Renner, Kristen (Kurt) Begall, Ashley (Tom) Collins, Heidi (Cory) Johnston, Lia (Mike) Parry and Kai Knudsen (Meaghan).

In the last few years it brought her so much joy to became an Iso Mummu to Luuka, Raija, Callum and Kaarlo. She is also remembered by her sister and family in Finland, and numerous nieces and nephews here and in Finland. Her loss is tremendous, but the family is deeply grateful for the many happy and healthy years we shared with her. We remember her for her unwavering love, quiet strength and the way she made every gathering brighter. The family would like to thank the staff at Roseview, where Mummu spent her final 10 months, for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, October 15th at 11am at Hilldale Lutheran Church with Pastor Jari Lahtinen officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Thunder Bay Alzheimer's Society, Hilldale Lutheran Church or a Charity of Your Choice. Mummu's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.

On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com