VIANNA TOOKENAY

VIANNA MAE THERESA TOOKENAY
Vianna Mae Theresa Tookenay passed away peacefully four days after her 89th birthday. Vianna was born in Port Arthur on October 8, 1936, the first born of parents Elizabeth (Liz) and William (Paddy) Risk of Nipigon, Ontario.

Educated in Nipigon, Vianna then graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Thunder Bay in 1959 and was awarded first class standing with the gold medal.

Upon graduation, Vianna immediately began working at the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital as an RN with her sister Sylvia. They both worked in the OR. Vianna worked there for two years and then transferred to McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay where she worked for two years as an RN.

In June 1963 she married the love of her life Joe Tookenay, and they moved back to Nipigon. They were blessed with two sons, Brent and Roger - the pride and joy of their lives. Vianna once again began employment at the Nipigon Hospital and worked there for the next 24 years mainly in the emergency room. In 1986 Vianna began employment with Dr. E.R. Somerlay and worked with him for the five years until his retirement in 1991.

In her younger days she was an avid sports woman and was actively engaged in bowling, curling, tennis, swimming, basketball, skating and cross-country skiing. She volunteered for the organizations that provided these activities and served as president and secretary for many of these organizations. She was also an avid hockey fan of husband Joe. She accompanied him on many trips across Canada when Joe was part of the Hockey Canada Board. When her sons began to participate in organized sports such as hockey and fastball, she was there helping Joe with coaching, fundraising, providing rides and billets for players and anything else that was required.

Vianna was also very active in her church. Singing in the various choirs and working with the alter service and was a CWL member for 50 years where she served in several positions. She was a member of the first parish council and was a member on this council for several years. She was the charter president of the Legion of Mary serving for 6 years in this position and later being requested to form and supervise the hospitality ministry for the church. She and husband Joe also helped form the RCIA at the Church of the Annunciation in Nipigon where they supported and instructed weekly classes. Vianna truly loved doing this work.

Predeceased by her husband Joseph, father William (Paddy) Risk, and her mother Elizabeth (Liz) Risk, her sister and best friend Sylivia (Sibby) Nachuk, sister Maureena Johnson and brother-in-law Vernal Johnson, brother Gibson Risk and brother-in-law Don Johnston. Mother and father-in-law Leo and Margret Tookenay, both sister and brother-in-law Ethel and Reino Ahola and brothers-in-law Melvyn and Marcel Tookenay and sister-in-law Nancy Harles.

She is survived by sons Brent (Tina) and Roger (Jody), grandchildren Anastasia, Jacob, Tanya, Ian and great grandchildren Owen, Wilde and Annabella. Siblings Jolene Johnston and Patricia (Ken) Legacy, sister-in-law Jeanette Risk, brothers-in-law Tom Nachuck, Dr. Vincent Tookenay (Rosemary), Harley Harles and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

At Vianna's request cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will take place at the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Nipigon, Ontario, on Thursday October 23rd at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Condolences may be made through www.nwwfainc.com