November 14, 1935 - September 30, 2024
In loving memory ~
Our Mom, Marjatta Paivinen (Haapala) was born in Lapua Finland on November 14, 1935. She died peacefully on September 30, 2024 at Kamloops Hospice. She was predeceased by her loving husband Oiva Paivinen in 1998, sister Annika (Finland), and older brother, Vilho.
Marjatta (Mummu) is survived by a large and loving family, her greatest legacy and contribution to life. She is deeply missed by her children, Veikko (Carmen), Helena (Rob), Olli (Bevanne), grandchildren Reimo (Julie), Matthew (Stephanie), Rosalynne (Josh), Christopher (Lynn), her 6 great grandchildren, Amiah, Carter, Kash, Raya, Reid and Owen, and sister Tuula Koivisto.
Marjatta had 'Sisu', a Finnish term that embodies determination, courage and resilience. She was fiercely independent, creative, intelligent, gentle, loving and generous. Mom was blessed with good health for most of her life.
Marjatta and Oiva emigrated to Canada in 1959 with their one-year-old son (Veikko). Mom and Dad spoke no English and arrived with one trunk of belongings and fifty dollars.
Through hard work, frugality, and perseverance Mom and Dad were able to save and eventually invest in various successful small business and real estate ventures.
Mom valued lifelong learning, education and became a voracious reader. While raising three young kids, caring for a family home and working with dad, mom completed accounting courses and learned to read and write fluent English. Marjatta and Oiva valued education and always encouraged and supported their children in pursuing higher learning. They believed that education and hard work were the key to success.
Along with reading, Marjatta sewed, knitted, crocheted, and painted. She read psychology and Finnish medical books and was always interested in learning about ways to maintain good health. She had a tremendous green thumb, prepared organic meals, composted and recycled long before it became popular.
Marjatta was forever generous, sacrificing for her family and placing others before herself. Mom volunteered her time, always wanting to help. She trained a service dog named Nikku with whom she spent time visiting lonely elderly people.
Mummu loved her grandchildren and was always interested in their well-being and success. When they visited, she would completely focus on them and play with them and would always make sure that she had healthy home-cooked meals prepared.
Mom/Mummu, we will always remember and love you. Thank you for all that you and Dad sacrificed and did for us and how you treated and loved us all.