Sept. 6, 1923 - Aug. 5, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce Maria’s peaceful passing at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice, in her 101st year.
Maria is predeceased by her parents Matti and Riitta Kuparinen and siblings Juho, Eino, Väinö and Alina. She is now reunited with her son Tenho Ahola, his father Eino and her second husband Arvo Hill.
Deeply loved and fondly remembered Mummu to Cindy (Mike), Mandy and Sam (Marco). Great Mummu to Christian, Dalton, Ethan, Mikayla, Grayson and Molly. She will be missed by her daughter-in-law Denise (Robin). Maria will be remembered by her nieces and nephews and extended family in Finland. Special Maikki-täti to Mirja with whom she shared many letters and a close bond.
Maria will be missed by her close friends Helene, Anna-Marie, Annie and Iris, who all held a special place in her heart. Her granddaughters would like to thank you all for the kindness and support you have graciously offered them throughout the years.
Maria was born in Karelia Finland and raised on a farm surrounded by a large and loving family. After the Russian invasion of Finland during WWII, they were forced out of Karelia and relocated to Mouhijärvi Finland where they rebuilt their home and continued to farm.
After Maria married, she and her husband Eino Ahola, along with their only son Tenho, immigrated to Canada. Despite facing many hardships and loss in her long life, Maria always demonstrated her resiliency and remained steadfast in her faith. She drew her tremendous strength from her unwavering conviction and belief in God.
Maria was known for her kindness and compassion towards others. She was heavily involved at the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association (OFRA), where she resided and actively volunteered while helping others in need. Throughout her life, she was very social and established a large group of friends and together they celebrated all of their Finnish traditions.
We would like to thank OFRA, SAH Floor 2A and ARCH for their care and support. A special thank you to her Pastor Wellu (Matt) Suoperä from New Life Church for his devout involvement in Maria’s life. Additionally, we thank Pastor Clinton Moody from Lifespring Church for his prayerful support and guidance in Maria’s final weeks.
Maria is now at home and at peace with God and the angels. She has joined her son, her husband Arvo and all her loved ones. They are together again catching up and doing the things she loves most like fishing, picking blueberries and sharing many laughs.
Enkeli hiljaa vierellä kulki tarttui käteen ja silmät sulki syliinsä kietoi siivillään kuiskasi hiljaa lähdetään.
Family and friends may visit LifeSpring Church (Kotikirkko), 891 People’s Rd., on Tuesday August 13, 2024, from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 2:00 pm. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations payable by cheque may be made to the OFRA or LifeSpring Church.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-9456).