Sonia Kivinen

Sonia Matilda Kivinen (nee Falden) passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on October 10th, 2014. She was 62 years old. Sonia was predeceased by her mother, Airi Rathje (2013) and her father, David Falden (1955). She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 35 years, Lloyd Kivinen, and daughters Karen (Colin Nakata), Julie (Ian McLeod) and Tiina (Trent Rhode). Sonia was a dedicated and loving Mummu to Olive, Faye and Cora and brought many hours of joy and laughter to their lives that will live on in their hearts. Sonia will also be missed by her father, Carsten Rathje, and siblings Sandra Puumala (Arvo), twin brother Arnold Falden, George Rathje (Aira), Evelyn Chemko, Margaret Rathje, Wendy Fehrling, and Cynthia Rathje, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Sonia was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, raised in Intola and lived for many years in Ware Township. She attended Lakehead University and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1972 and a Bachelor of Education in 1973. She went on to have a fulfilling career as an educator, teaching students of all levels and spending many years in adult education at Confederation College. She completed her Masters of Education in 2010. Sonia had a great love of the outdoors and her country home. She enjoyed gardening, berry picking and spending time at camp with her family. She was an avid learner and spent much of her life devoted to knowledge and understanding, as well as literature and language. Sonia saw the good in all people and will be remembered as a compassionate, patient and loving wife, mother, Mummu, teacher and friend. Her family is grateful to have had such a wonderful mentor in kindness and grace.A memorial service to celebrate Sonia's life will be held at the Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship on Friday, October 17th at 11 am. It is located at 129 South Algoma Street. The family wishes to thank all of the nurses and staff of the Community Care Access Centre, St. Elizabeth's Health Care and TBRHSC cancer care, who helped to care for Sonia over the past days and weeks, as well as to all of the family and friends who contributed to her well-being and comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations to the TBRHSC Northern Cancer Fund would be greatly appreciated.Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com "