Routtu, Anelma Orvokki passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni, BC, with family by her side.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Toivo; children, Timo (Monica), Susan Kurkiniemi (Risto), Rita Sowden (Brian), Tom (Diane); grandchildren, Todd, Timothy, Travis, Kevin, Sonja, Byron, Christopher, Curtis, Jennifer and Nicole; as well as many siblings, relatives and friends scattered throughout the world.
Anelma was the oldest of eleven children born Impi Hannusela in Helsinki, Finland. She lived and worked in Finland, and Sweden before coming to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to marry her true love, Toivo Pietari Routtu, on February 8, 1953. With meager beginnings, Anelma and Toivo raised four children, promoting faith, education, volunteerism, music, sports, fitness, and recreation as well as the importance of relationships with family and friends. In 1966 the family moved to Vancouver but always returned to their “camp” at McCarrols Lake to enjoy the beautiful Ontario summers and visit her sisters, Ritva and family and friends.
Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church as a child, Anelma strived to follow God’s teachings throughout her lifetime but also truly modeled the meaning of hospitality, kindness, forgiveness, integrity, respect, and self value. She was a natural leader and teacher, who believed in a strong work ethic, humour, perseverance, and commitment. Family and friends were important to Anelma and she enjoyed sharing time with family and friends, celebrating milestones or just sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee.
She was very proud of her grandchildren; and loved spending time with them, whether it be baking cookies, making those special Finnish dishes that became family favourites, sharing the Finnish traditions and language of the culture that she was so very proud of, being a spectator at sporting events, music fests, attending services, or just enjoying a special moment playing ping pong, ice fishing, or a swim and sauna.
The special drawings she included in cards and treat bags will always be treasured.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, June 13, 2009, from the St. John Lutheran Church, 377 Hodgson Rd. Williams Lake, BC with Pastor Andy Kahle officiating. A memorial tea to follow. Cremation has taken place.
If desired, donations in Anelma’s memory may be made to Williams Lake & District Credit Union – 809 25000 1 800 385930 - to purchase a memorial bench and plaque alongside the River Valley Trail so others can rest and admire the beauty of nature that she so enjoyed.
Chapel Of Memories Funeral Directors entrusted with arrangements. 250-723-3633