KATHLEEN KUKKO

KATHLEEN KUKKO
Kathleen (Kitty) Joan Kukko (née Coughlin) passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Thursday, December 25, 2025, after celebrating Christmas with her family.

Kitty was pre-deceased by her husband Ray Kukko, her brother Jerry Coughlin, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Clare and Joe Kennedy, Glenna and Jim MacDonald, Jean and Dave Whalen, Norma and Reijo Pyhtila, Margaret and Bob Marion, and Rick Kukko. She was also pre-deceased by her great grandson, Ellis Gilchrist. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Lillian Kukko.

Kitty will be dearly missed by her children, Pat Kukko, Barbara Kukko (Shaun Naroski), Gerald (Carolyn) Kukko, Danny (Dawn) Kukko, and Raili (John) Zgrych. Kitty's legacy will continue with her grandchildren, Aiden, Cara, Kathleen (Kevin), Tess, Hannah (Jason), Alexandra (Cam), Madelaine (Scott), Jared, Caitlin (Ben), Lili (Brandon), Adam (Jaquelyn), Emma (Quinn), and Josh. Her great grandchildren, Jane, Brock, Emerson, and Edith. Kitty will also be missed by her very large extended family of Coughlins and Kukkos of whom there are too many to mention. You all know who you are, and she loved you so much.

Kitty was born on August 5, 1930. She was the fourth child in a family of five comprising one boy and four girls. Kitty's dad passed away when she was very young, which left her mom to raise the family until her passing when Kitty was in her early 20s. Kitty learned early on how to be strong, tough and resilient. This was a trait she carried throughout all her days.

From a teenager, Kitty had an amazing love of skiing. She hitchhiked out to Mount Baldy Ski Area in the early days and that was where she met Ray, on the slopes. They were married on December 1, 1956 and went on to raise their family of five kids in a house that Ray built in Current River. They purchased property at Timmus Lake in 1970 where they eventually built their family camp together with the plan to make it their full-time home. This came true in 1990 when they sold the house and moved to camp full-time.

Early on, summers were spent golfing at Strathcona or at Timmus Lake, fishing around the area, having saunas, swimming, blueberry picking and enjoying family. Winters were spent skiing at Mount Baldy with family and friends. Mount Baldy held a special place in her heart. She was part of the original group of people that got Mount Baldy up and running and continued to be an active part of the Mount Baldy ladies auxiliary for many years. Kitty continued to ski throughout all her years until she was 93.

Although small and tiny in size, Kitty lived a large full life. She was full of spirit, tenacity and was an inspiration to many. She spent her 95+ years doing all the things she loved. She never let age stop her or define her, and she continued to live independently. Her greatest love was the accomplishments of her family. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. She was known as Gramma Kitty to many people beyond her immediate family. She was the life of every party. Kitty held a special spot in many peoples' hearts, and we were lucky to have known her and to call her mom, sister, Auntie Kitty, cousin, Gramma Kitty, OG, or friend. We will miss her energy, enthusiasm, vibrancy, strength, resilience, spirit, and twinkle in her Irish eyes.

To quote a message from a friend, "They say to live in the hearts and minds of those we leave behind is to truly never pass. Kitty left an impression on many people, and her spirit will be around for a long time". We all miss you so much already, you lived a long, full, happy life, and we will continue to keep your spirit alive with our memories of you in our hearts and minds.

According to Kitty's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be planned for later in the spring and will be shared here. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca