Leila Metsaranta

1948 - 2016

Mrs. Leila Metsaranta, age 67 years, a resident of Thunder Bay passed away suddenly but peacefully on January 7, 2016 with family by her side.

Leila was born on May 17, 1948 in Kauhajoki, Finland and came to Canada in December of 1976 with her husband and newborn child to start life in a new country. She worked for 30 years at St. Joseph's Hospital, retiring in 2011. In summer, she could mostly be found cultivating her garden, picking blueberries, and spending time at the family camp at Barnum Lake north of Thunder Bay. An avid skier (with many championship spoons from races as a school girl in Finland to prove it), her smiling face could often be seen on the trails, in the early years at Tapiola with her young family, and in more recent years at the Lappe Ski Centre. She was a fixture for many years in the Sibley Ski Tour (later the Sleeping Giant Loppet), including being honored with the ceremonial #1 bib along with her long-time skiing partner Tuija. She also participated in the Finlandia Hiihto, Kauhahiihto, Canadian Birkebeiner, and Keskinada Loppet. She was a valued volunteer in many different aspects of Thunder Bay's Finnish community, where her helping hand will be missed. In recent years, she most looked forward to the time she could spend with her grandchildren. She loved the little boys with all her heart and savoured every minute she spent with them. Leila will be forever remembered for her positive outlook on life, which will be passed on through all those she has ever touched.

Leila will be missed by her husband Markku (Marc) Metsaranta, children Juha (Neety Panu) and Riku Metsaranta, grandchildren Sarvin and Navin Panu-Metsaranta, mother-in-law Alli Metsaranta, and sister Kaija (Hannu) Loukko, as well as numerous other relatives and friends in Canada and Finland. She was predeceased by her parents Tauno and Rauha Neva-Knuuttila of Kauhajoki, Finland.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the health care professionals at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their care and compassion.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 in Hilldale Lutheran Church, 321 Hilldale Road, presided by Rev. Jari Lahtinen. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leila's memory to a charity of one's choice.

On-line condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca