It is with great sadness that the family of Frances Lorraine Hahkala (Ervick) of Fort Frances announces the passing at Rainycrest LTC with her family at her side on November 29, 2020. She was born June 15, 1948 in Fort Frances to the late Harold Marentius Ervick and Anne Gladys Ervick (Sanders).
After graduating from Fort Frances High School, Frances took a secretarial course and was going to move to Winnipeg with a friend, but before this could happen she was hired by Boise Cascade. This change in plans was a good idea because she soon met the love of her life, Aarne Hahkala. The two were wed on August 31, 1968 and had four kids to fill their lives with. After us kids were in school full time she worked as a bookkeeper for several local businesses including Robert Morgan, Wes Derksen, Larry Eustace and Donald Taylor law firms, but most of her working life was spent as the Bookkeeper for Badiuk Equipment. She was the Treasurer for the Miscampbell Local Roads Board for many years. Frances was the ultimate working mother, always baking and cooking for her family, helping kids with homework and supporting them in all they did. For several years Fran and her “girls” would do a girl trips to Winnipeg for Christmas shopping, each time it was a challenge to fit the gifts and people all back into the vehicles for the return trip home. Frances also enjoyed the times that she could get Aarne off the farm and travel with friends to exotic places like Hawaii, Mexico, and Jamaica.
Our mother was an amazing person who continually strived to create joy for those around her. She loved her gardens, quilting, and entertaining, but most of all she loved her friends and family. She was always trying to help in what ever way she could. Sometimes it was baking homemade cinnamon buns for the grandchildren for Halloween, cheering loudly at hockey games, or making special quilts for those she loved. She cherished the special moments with her grandchildren, getting her nails painted by her granddaughter, watching them splashing in the pool, spoiling and enjoying them when they came to visit, or cheering them on at hockey games. Fran was also very active doing events and outings with her sorority sisters, the ladies of her coffee group and quilting group. Fran also loved the time she spent with the bowling team; together they had many great memories. She cherished the time she spent with each and every one in her life.
Fran will be missed by her loving children Todd (Christina) Hahkala, Stacy (Paul Lafond) Hahkala, Shelley (Blake) Bodnar, and Leanne (Shane) Mose. She also leaves behind her ten grandchildren Brett and Nick Hahkala, Brandon (Giselle), Colton (Lillie), Reed and Drake Bodnar and Walker, Garrett, Nelson and Jenica Mose. Also left to mourn are Fran’s siblings Marlene (James) McQuarrie, Marianne (Alan) Williamson, Dale (Carole) Ervick, and Nan Ervick; and sister in laws Marie (Dave) Gregory, and Elaine (Robert) Bagacki; and her special friend Vicki Jewell. Frances was predeceased by her loving husband Aarne; parents Harold and Anne Ervick; mother and father-in-law Aarne & Minnie Hahkala; and her brother Hardy Ervick.
The pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
In memoriam donations can be directed to The Canadian Mental Health Association, Fort Frances Branch (Older Adults/PRP Program) PO Box 446, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8.
Service will be held Friday, December 4, 2020 at 11:00 AM from Northridge Funeral Home, Emo, ON. Due to COVID restrictions, service will be by invitation only. Thank you.
