Raija Hillevi Tilus

1954 - 2022

It is with sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our dear sister, Raija Hillevi Tilus on 8 February, 2022, with family and cherished friend by her side.

Raija was born 26 December, 1954, in Himanka, Finland to Aino and Olli Tilus. Arriving in Port Arthur at just 2 years old, Finland was, never the less, imprinted on her soul. She lived her life boldly and energetically, emulating and promoting her Finnish heritage and culture at every turn.

She was a long time member of the Finnish Folk dance troupe, Kiikurit; traveling with them to Finland, Australia and all over North America. She also gave her time to teaching folk dancing to the Kiikurit children's troupe and to the students of the Finnish Language School.

Raija's faith was an integral and important part of her life. She taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, worked on the council and volunteered where needed. The church was ever present in her walk through life.

She was a very active member of our local Finnish community serving on many boards and committees, participating in special events whenever possible, even having an acting roll in the local production, "Under the Red Star".

No matter what Raija was doing in life, she was first and foremost a teacher. She taught in several schools throughout Thunder Bay district, including John C. Yesno School, in Fort Hope and Crestview Public School, in Murillo, just prior to her retirement. In 1997-98 she also had the exciting experience of being an exchange teacher at Jindabyne Public School, in NSW, Australia. That year held treasured memories for her.

After retiring, Raija focused on adding to her community minded approach to life, taking on volunteering with the Lakehead Search and Rescue (LSRU). She participated wholeheartedly on their board and used her career skills to teach the "Hug a Tree" program to young students in our local schools, among many other endeavors with them.

Throughout all of her community commitments, Raija remained totally devoted to our parents in their final years. A generous and good daughter, sister and täti (auntie).

Her active, spirited life was cruelly cut short with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. What remained till the end was her ready smile and keen sparkling eyes. She is now liberated from worldly shackles and free to let her spirit soar.

Raija was predeceased by her parents, Olli Tilus in 2016, and Aino Tilus in 2019. She is survived by her siblings and their children and grandchildren; Raimo Tilus, Mikael Tilus (Michi), Sara Tilus (Sheldon Elvish); Paula (Mark) Sullivan, Kristiina Osvath (Jon Watson), Eric Osvath (Christy Renner), Norah, Ayden and Violet; Carly Sullivan (Travis Gavin), Brynlee; Peter (Caroline) Tilus, William Tilus, and her dear friend Irma Nystrom and family.

Many thanks to the staff at TBRHSC Transitional Care Unit, Hogarth Riverview Manor's Daffodil and Iris Residence for your good care and compassion.

Funeral services for Raija will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 21, 2022, at Hilldale Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow in the Church hall. Should friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to Hilldale Lutheran Church, Lakehead Search and Rescue (LSRU) or the Alzheimer's Society of Thunder Bay.

Condolences may be offered at
www.harbourviewfuneral.ca