Saara Suni

1920 - 2016

Mrs. Saara Suni died peacefully in the Lord at St. Joseph's Hospice after suffering a massive heart attack two weeks ago.

Saara was born in Jalasjarvi, Finland on November 27, 1920. She was the eldest of three children born to Nikodemus and Laimi Pelto. Saara immigrated to Canada (Schreiber) when she was seven years old. In 1941 she graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Port Arthur General Hospital. She married Allan Suni in 1942.

After the Second World War, Allan and Saara built their home at 98 Elm Street where she lived for over fifty years. She treasured her neighbours and the many Elm Street social events. Saara wa s on the Balsam Street Home and School Association and the Neighbourhood Watch. During the polio epidemic, Saara was one of the Marching Mothers.

Saara belonged to a Bridge Club for fifty years. Her Bridge Club were her classmates from Nursing. They became life-long friends and supported each other through the good and the many challenges they faced.

Saara was a born nurse. Her nursing career included the Shriners Hospital for Children in Portage La Prairie, Winnipeg Sick Children's Hospital, The Isolation Hospital on Balsam Street, PAGH and Dawson Court. Nurse Saara retired at 67 years of age.

Saara was an active member of (St. Mark's Lutheran Church), Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and Hilldale Lutheran Church. Her Church friends were all part of her extended family. At 94 years of age, Saara moved to Sister Leila Greco Supportive Care where she received excellent care.

Survived by her daughter Pastor Arleen Berg Leishman (Tom Leishman), granddaughter Lianne Hopkins (Darren Hopkins), grandsons Chris Berg and Kevin Berg, sister-in-law Helen Jartus, nieces and nephews.

Her great granddaughters Nyah and Ella Hopkins brought her much joy. She enjoyed their visits and chat, especially this past week. They made a difficult situation easier to bear.

Predeceased by her parents Nick and Laimi Pelto, husband Allan Suni, her son Raymond Suni, her son-in-law Howard Berg, two brothers and their spouses Paavo Pelto (Anne) and Tauno Pelto (Helen)

The family gratefully appreciated the excellent care Saara received at Sister Leila Greco apartments, TBRHSC (Cardiac Unit) and St. Joseph's Hospice Care.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Saara will be held on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 11:00 AM in Hilldale Lutheran Church. Interment will take place at 3:30pm on Thursday, September 1, 2016 in the family plot in Riverside Cemetery.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to TBRHSC Foundation (Cardiac Care), St. Joseph's Foundation (Hospice), Hilldale Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.

EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma in care of arrangements.

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