Vappu Maria Kormano

VAPPU KORMANO
Mrs. Vappu Maria Kormano, age 89 years, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025 at Southbridge Roseview, Thunder Bay. She was born May 1, 1936 in Askainen, Finland. She obtained a degree in Business Administration from Pori Community College. She met her husband, Kauko, in Noormarkku, they married and together raised 4 children. They moved to Koura as they started their own sawmill, where Vappu worked as office manager. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and traveling. Together they travelled abroad, such as Egypt, England, USA and many other places. She volunteered in Soroptimist, Lions clubs and also in other local organizations.

After immigrating to Atikokan, Canada with her husband in 1985 to continue the sawmill business, she maintained her office responsibilities and actively volunteered with the Lions Club. When Kauko passed away in 1990, she moved to Thunder Bay and transitioned her career to become a personal support worker at Red Cross and VON until retirement with her last companion, Amanda, the dog.

She kept learning Spanish and traveling to Urugay, Paraguay and Argentina, where her daughter Annamari was doing mission work. She volunteered in palliative care, currently called Hospice Northwest and hosted many Hilldale Lutheran Church fellowship parties. She was a member of Suomi Koti Auxiliary and helped to organize fundraising events. She especially enjoyed hosting parties and gatherings in her home, often welcoming friends and family for special occasions such as Canada Day, Juhannus (Midsummer), Christmas, New Year's, Easter, and various family celebrations. These gatherings were always filled with warmth, laughter, and good food, reflecting Vappu's sense of hospitality and love for her loved ones. She also hosted visiting Finnish reporters in her home for the Kanadan Uutiset newspaper.

Vappu is survived by her son Pekka (Darlene), son Hannu (Siru), daughter Annamari (Fernando) and son Matti (Pamela). Also surviving are grandchildren Christopher, Stephanie (Stefano), Hannele (Warren), Heleena (Matthew), Ari (Michelle), Mikko, Elias and Samuel, and great grandchildren Mattia, Aleksi, Torey and Emmett and other relatives in Finland, Canada and Sweden.

She is predeceased by her husband Kauko Kormano, her sister Vuokko Porri and niece Hanna, her parents Hilja and Veikko Nieminen; and other relatives in Finland.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to attend the funeral service at Hilldale Lutheran Church on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11: 00 a.m. with pastors Jari Lahtinen and Matti Kormano officiating. A private interment will be held at a later time. If so desired, donations may be made to Hilldale Lutheran Church, Suomi Koti or Charity of Your Choice.

Our most sincere thanks to the caring people at Southbridge Lakehead and Southbridge Roseview and excellent services of Harbourview Funeral Centre.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca