SAARA ALA-KORPI

Mrs. Saara Josefiina Ala-Korpi (nee Kamunen), age 92 years and resident of Thunder Bay, passed away on March 16, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Saara was born on December 31, 1933 in Kalajoki, Finland. She immigrated to Canada in 1957 with her husband, Pauli Ala-Korpi to start a new life together. They lived in several Northern Ontario communities before settling in Thunder Bay in 1965 where they built a number of homes together. Saara worked in housekeeping for Zellers and later Thunder Bay Hydro for many years.

Saara was happiest being with family, winning (which she often did) on her lottery and scratcher tickets, tending to her many plants indoor and outdoors, and enjoying a sweet treat or two. Saara was a master of many talents. She loomed a number of handmade rag rugs over the years, knit a small army of wool socks and mittens, was an excellent baker and cook and had what only could be described as a master level green thumb. She was often accompanied by her furry friends, who she spoiled thoroughly.

Despite battling several cancers over the years, she always approached each of her battles with a positive and bright attitude. She was affectionately known to the Cancer Centre staff as "Smiley Saara" who rarely batted an eye at anything she went through. Saara was the epitome of Finnish Sisu.

Saara loved sports, both as a spectator and as a participant. Saara began cross-country ski racing in her 40s, was an avid runner, and loved music. She was also her kids' and later her grandkids' biggest fan, always eagerly waiting for scores, stats and updates.

Saara was welcomed to her eternal home by husband Pauli Ala-Korpi, son and daughter-in-law Tapani and Jill Alakorpi, parents Augusti and Hilda Kamunen, siblings Arvi, Raimo, Erkki, Reijo, Martti and cousin and life long friend Kalevi.

She is survived by daughter, Tarja Shipston (Gerry), grandchildren Haley (Brenden), Kyle (Selena) and Ari Alakorpi (Adriana) and best friend, Sirkka. She leaves behind her sister, Salme, brother Aarne (Kaija) in Finland and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives in Canada, Finland, and the U.S.

Funeral services for Saara will be held at Hilldale Lutheran Church on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. presided by Pastor Jari Lahtinen. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Emergency Department and ICU of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Ahmed, Cancer Centre Staff, Dr. Hagerty, Dr. Laferriere, Dr. Fidler, Dr. Sharour, Dr. Simpson and Dr. Kald.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hilldale Lutheran Church or the Northern Cancer Fund of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation or the Charity of Your Choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca