SENJA SANELMA LARSON

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Senja Larson (nee Nurmi) announces her passing on Sunday, May 25, 2014 in Atikokan, Ont.
Senja was predeceased by her parents, Kustta and Senja Nurmi; brothers, Olavi and Emil Nurmi; sisters, Lil Siegert, Lyyli Pettis, and Kerttu Maki; niece, Carolyn Musick; nephews, Paul Siegert and Keith Nurmi, and great-nephew, Mathew Nurmi; as well as grandson, Ian Larson.
Left to mourn is her husband, Harvey Larson; children, Maurits (Kathy) Larson, Randy (Teresa) Larson, and Karen (Charles) Loewen; grandchildren, Kiera (Carey) Loewen, and Erik, Marla, and Thor Larson; and great-grandchildren, Kai, Elliot, and Henrik Loewen.
Also surviving are her sister, Laila Lee; sisters-in-law, Bev Nurmi, Marianne (Lawrie) Sundin, and Melvin (Dora) Larson; many nieces and nephews; and extended family members and friends in North America and Finland.
Senja was born Nov. 11, 1933 in Emo, Ont. to Senja and Kusta Nurmi. She was raised on the family farm in Dobie Township, and enjoyed a simple but happy life with her loving parents and siblings.
One of Senja’s favourite pastimes was reading, especially Canadian authors. Seldom was the nightstand without a book cracked open.
Senja took interest in the world around her, whether it was local or further afoot. Raised in a Finnish household, she also was fluent in Finnish and took great pride in this heritage.
Senja’s early work life involved various roles at tourist camps in the Rainy River and Kenora districts. Prior to marriage, Senja worked at Ash Rapid Lodge on Lake of the Woods, as well as Red Deer Lodge and Cottam’s in Nestor Falls, Ont.
In summer of 1954, while working at Bester’s Café in Sioux Narrows, Ont., Senja met her true love. Harvey and Senja were married Oct. 28, 1954 and settled into married life in Sioux Narrows.
In 1965, Harvey and Senja moved their three children to Atikokan so that Harvey could work at the mines. Senja quickly became immersed in a miner’s life by joining the Steelworker’s Union Ladies Auxilary, where she met many good friends.
She also was an avid outdoorsperson and enjoyed snowmobiling, having been a founding member of the SnoHo Club.
Senja loved to enjoy summers at the lake with her family, where she would fish or pick berries or just relax and enjoy the simple beauty of lake life.
Senja worked seasonally for many years as a tree planter; enjoying the camaraderie of the local crew and the sense of accomplishment she got from earning money for her family.
Senja’s every-day life revolved around her home and she took great pride in being an exemplary homemaker. She loved gardening and canning her summer’s crop, as well as cooking and baking; especially homemade bread and the many favourite recipes of her Finnish heritage.
Senja’s main goal in life was to find a good husband, become a homemaker, and raise a family. In recent years, Senja often exclaimed to visitors what a good husband Harvey was.
She gained a great sense of satisfaction, knowing she had picked wisely, and been blessed with three children who were living accomplished lives.
Senja was a loyal partner to Harvey and terrific mother who always was there for her family.
Senja often told her children they had to have “sisu” (Finnish for courage) to get through life’s challenges. Although Senja lived in the Atikokan Hospital Extended Care Wing for more than three years, she herself faced life with “sisu” right to the end, never complaining of her situation.
We all will miss her humour, laughter, strong opinions, giving heart, and all the countless ways she enriched her family’s life.
Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan.
Her children, grandchildren, and niece, Deborah Lee, will be honorary pallbearers.
A longer obituary is available at the website below.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Atikokan Hospital Extended Care Wing.
Online condolences may be made at www.dignitymemorial.com