LAURA HARTIKAINEN -

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LAURA HARTIKAINEN 1926 - 2015 On Thursday, January 8, 2015 Laura Hartikainen (nee Havia), our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully with family at her side. She will be greatly missed by Niilo, her husband of 66 years, her children Kari (Karen) and Helen Loeb (Randy); her grandchildren Kevin (Michelle), Ken (Ella), Kimberly (Dean), Melanie (boyfriend Travis) and Justin; her great-grandchildren Roman, Lola, Willow, Cohen, Brady, Samuel and Evan. Sadly, her daughter Anita passed away in 1964. Laura was predeceased by her parents Tilda and Herman as well as her brothers, sisters, and in-laws in Finland. She is survived there by many nephews and nieces. Laura was born in Finland on January 25, 1926. Due to the Winter War with Russia, Laura's family was forced to leave their home in Karelia. While working in Helsinki, Laura met Niilo and they were married in 1948. Hoping for better opportunities she and Niilo, with son Kari, moved to Canada in 1952. While Niilo began his life-long career with Princess Auto, Laura focused on making a new home for her family in Winnipeg, where they developed friendships with those in the Finnish community. In 1963 they built their dream home in Middlechurch where they became good friends with neighbours. Laura loved her chosen career being a stay-at-home Aiti. They enjoyed 47 happy years in West St. Paul before moving to Concordia Village in 2010. Laura loved being an Aiti, a Grandma / Mummo and an Iso-Mummo. She was the ultimate hostess, who loved to bake. She enjoyed keeping her flowerbeds, yard, and home immaculate and organized. When they purchased the cottage at Pointe du Bois in 1988, Laura helped Niilo through the renovations and enjoyed spending time there with her family. She also liked the times spent outdoors and traveling the world. Laura was a private, quiet, and generous woman who always put others before herself. She lived her life with sisu'... the Finnish spirit of independence. She will be greatly missed by her family, who will cherish their memories of her forever. A memorial service for Laura will be held Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, 3486 Raleigh Street, East St. Paul, north of Hoddinott. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Glen Eden Funeral Home and Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2015