Sinikka Aulikki Bisby

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ms. Sinikka Aulikki Bisby, age 72 years, on Monday, February 7, 2022, with her loving family by her side.

Born July 16, 1949, in Honkajoki, Finland, she came to Port Arthur with her parents and 4 sisters in 1957 and they made their home on Fassina Street, while enjoying their summers at their camp on Spike Lake. For close to 25 years, Sinikka lived in Lappe, then later moved to Amethyst Harbour in her retirement.

Sinikka enjoyed a successful career teaching, and was a well-respected educator amongst students and colleagues. She continued volunteering and supply-teaching after her retirement, staying connected to her passion for teaching.

Sinikka had an absolute gift for making those in her life feel her love by the amount of effort she put into special occasions. Filled with generosity, nothing was too much if it made her loved ones happy. She was a dedicated daughter and sister and the most incredible mother, devoting her life to her children. A true mother bear.

Sinikka was delighted to learn she would become a mummu and spent as much time as she could with her grandson. She would set up intricate play stations and reading centers and revel in their visits, doting as only a mummu can. In her earlier adult years, Sinikka enjoyed golfing and curling, and her hobbies of cross-country skiing, walking, swimming, saunas, gardening and kayaking followed her into her later years. She was an avid reader and an active member in two book clubs. She also loved to travel. Sinikka and Dan spent many winters in Arizona, Florida and Hawaii where they could enjoy each others company in the sunshine, often joined by her children around Family Day in February. She also cherished her mother-daughter trips which took them from Punta Cana to New York to California to the Canadian Rockies.

Shying away from the spotlight and preferring to let others shine, Sinikka possessed a silent strength and stoicism that set an incredible example for the rest of her family. Underneath her sweet exterior, “Sisu” coursed through her veins, allowing her to put up a determined fight against her untimely stroke, being able to smile even in her final days.

Sinikka is survived by her loving partner, Dan Lechow; her beloved children, Shaana Bisby (Roger Hamm) and Tyler Bisby (Jessica) and cherished grandson, Martti; her mother, Toini Vataja; siblings, Pirkko (Michel) Menard, Vuokko Koski-Harja, Ritva (Jim) Restall and Eija (Urs) Pfaeffli as well as her children's father, Jack Bisby and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family in Canada and Finland.

She was predeceased by her father, Martti Vataja and brother-in-law, Henry Koski-Harja.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer.

Arrangements entrusted to EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.

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