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BORN
1939
DIED
2023
Sinikka Kähärä Obituary
With great sadness we announce the passing of Sinikka Tellervo (Tellie) Kähärä ARCT, B.Ed., H.B.A., M.A. (Lakehead), M.Mus. (McGill) on January 21, 2023 in Toronto, following a brief illness. Tellervo was born in Viipuri, Finland, on September 11, 1939. Predeceased by her husband Artturi Kähärä in 2004, mother Ester Mäkelä in 2005, brother Jorma Pekkonen in 2013, and sister Hilkka Ripattila in 2015.
Tellervo came to Canada as a teenager with her mother in 1953 and they settled in Port Arthur. She was a faithful member of the Finnish Pentecostal Church, Saalem. She taught English and Finnish at Hillcrest High School and singing at Lakehead University, in addition to providing private vocal lessons in her own studio.
Tellervo was an accomplished mezzo-soprano and gained critical acclaim as a soloist for choral and orchestral concerts in Canada, USA and Europe.
Tellervo will be missed by her nieces Tarja Ylänkö, Anneli Wright and Rita Shaw and their families, Leena Palonen and Pia Ripattila and their families, nephew Seppo Ripattila and his family, other relatives in Finland, and numerous friends all over the world.
There will be a Celebration of Tellie's life on Sunday, February 5th, 2023, at 3 PM, at Saalem Church, 21 Walkover St., Thunder Bay, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saalem Church, Lakehead University or Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.
Private interment to follow at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sinikka Kähärä
7 Entries
Jouni Paasonen
February 8, 2023
My condolences to Tellie’s family. I met her and Artturi 30+ years ago as they hosted us in their home in Thunder Bay. They truly were great role models as servants of The Kingdom. Tellie’s legacy continues to inspire us to “live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God (Col 1:10)”
Tuula Maunula
February 5, 2023
Tellie was one of those remarkable people who made everyone feel great! We belonged to the Finnish Canadian Youth Cultural Club and sang at different events. She had an easy way with us teenagers and she was well respected by everyone in the group. She will be missed! Tuula and Michael Maunula
John Louko
February 2, 2023
Tellie was one of my best friends growing up as a teenager in Thunder Bay. We were blessed to have her as the youth leader in Saalem Church. I will miss her greatly but at least there is the hope of seeing her again in heaven.
Elena Maranghi
February 1, 2023
I met her on a plane from Italy to Canada, many years ago (2011, she came to Rome to visit one of her singing teachers). I still rember her, after so many years: it was a pleasure to meet her, her passion for singing and for life in general was something rare and precious. She was so kind and gentle to me (I was afraid of flying) and we had a great chat all over the flight: it seemed so quick!
My sincere condolences to her family.
Ruth Anne Wolframe
January 31, 2023
She will be greatly missed. Glad to have been one of her vocal students at Lakehead University and for her strong faith and conviction in Jesus Christ so we can one day meet again.
Arja Voutilanen
January 29, 2023
Nice lady and great teacher!
Irene Hietikko
January 28, 2023
She was a wonderful teacher!
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