KAARINA HILKKA ROY

Kaarina Hilkka Roy, nee Kirsila, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010.
Kaarina was born July 16, 1926 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Axel and Ida Kirsila. She married Leonard Roy in 1947.
Kaarina was the proud mother of five children, Diana (Robert) Coulombe of Thunder Bay, Michael Roy (Tina Wilson) of Fort Frances, Ont., Donna (Razvan) Sima of Houston, Tex. Lorina Pederson (James Hourie) of Smithers, B.C., and Susann Boivin (Larry Norton) of Fort Frances, Ont.
She also is survived by four grandchildren, Jeffrey Gaylord, Michael Roy Jr., Tammie Roy, and Rene Boivin; as well as four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Avery, Eric, and Haley.
Also surviving are her brother, Ensio Kirsila of International Falls, Mn. and son, James Kirsila, and family of Seattle, Wash.; and sisters-in-law, Virginia Eiden of Grand Rapids, Mn., Sharon McNaughton of Edmonton, Alta., and Terril Pentney of London, Ont. and their families.
She also leaves to mourn her precious feline companion, Copper.
Kaarina was predeceased by her husband, Leonard, on Sept. 11, 2010; and her parents, Ida in 1988 and Axel in 1963.
Over many years, her favourite charitable causes included the Canadian Cancer Society, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the World Wildlife Federation (W.W.F.), the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A), and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (I.F.A.W.)
Kaarina was a very nurturing and loving person who always put her family above all else, including the many pets she devouted time and love to throughout her lifetime.
She had a kind heart and a gentle soul, making her well-liked by all who knew her.
Kaarina enjoyed reading, music, and tending to flowers.
Never to be told she couldn’t do something, Kaarina took on everything as a challenge. At the age of 80, she visited the Hawaiian Islands, and at the age of 81 cruised the Bahamas with her daughter, Donna.
Kaarina’s vigour for life was unparalleled and something to be envied at any age.
She will be very deeply missed by all who knew her. For her children and grandchildren: “The light may have faded from our eyes, but the flame still burns deeply within our hearts, so go now, Mom, and be with those that have created a new garden for you. We love you and will all meet again.”
Family and friends joined in the celebration of Kaarina’s life on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 at 3 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
In lieu of flowers, Kaarina has requested in memoriam donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or to the Friends of Animals c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com