ULLA NIEMINEN

1940 - 2024

ULLA NIEMINEN
Ulla Nieminen passed away on September 20, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family in Thunder Bay, ON. Born on March 17, 1940, in Tampere, Finland, Ulla's vibrant spirit and zest for life left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her journey was one of courage, love, and unwavering passion, which she shared generously until her final days.

Ulla's early years were spent in the scenic landscapes of Finland, where she developed a lifelong love for Finnish music, a passion that would echo throughout her life. She carried the melodies of her homeland with her when she moved to Canada with her husband Pentti, and young sons Hannu and Jukka in 1960, a place she would come to call home and where she gained citizenship in 1995. Her 25-year career as a salesperson at the Treasure House was just a glimpse of her ability to connect with people and her flair for bringing beauty into the lives of others. Baking and cooking were other realms where she expressed her creativity, and her kitchen was a welcoming hub where aromas and laughter mingled. Ulla took pleasure in planting, watching as her garden bloomed with the same care and attention, she gave to all her pursuits.

Ulla's dedication to her family was the cornerstone of her life. She was a loving wife to Pentti for 48 years, mother to her sons Hannu and Jukka, until their passing in 2004, 2008 and 2016 respectively, surviving daughter Tanja and her husband Kevin. Her role as mummu was cherished deeply as she doted on her granddaughters, Bailey and Kaeli, and grandsons, Dylan and Brennan. Each of them was touched by Ulla's kindness, her nurturing spirit, and her eagerness to share in their joys and accomplishments.

Ulla was a social butterfly, known for her exceptional skills in interior design, her delightful singing voice, and her ability to craft beautiful poems that captured the essence of her experiences and the wonders she saw in the world. Traveling was another passion of hers, allowing her to explore new places and cultures, further broadening her already expansive worldview. Her selfless nature was evident in every aspect of her life, from her involvement with Hilldale Lutheran Church to the care with which she nurtured her family and friendships. Her passion for Finnish music, knitting, and baking brought joy not only to her but to those fortunate enough to experience her creations. Ulla's culinary and crafting skills were surpassed only by her love of planting and her exquisite taste in interior design. Her home and camp at Dog Lake were always welcoming spaces filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the beauty of her well-tended plants. Those who knew Ulla would describe her as a passionate, loving, and courageous woman. She faced life's challenges, including her final battle with pancreatic cancer, with a bravery that inspired everyone around her. Ulla's warmth, her infectious laughter, and her unwavering spirit will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. As we say goodbye, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was, and we take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Ulla's life was a tapestry of love and beauty, woven with the threads of dedication, compassion, and creativity, a masterpiece that will be admired and remembered for years to come.

As per Ulla's wishes there will be no service. Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment will take place at a later date. There will be a Celebration of Life in Ulla's honour on Saturday, October 12th at Suomi Koti of Thunder Bay, 527 County Blvd. from 12:00 until 4:00. Everyone is cordially invited to share their memories and stories with those who loved her.

Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com