In the song of life, Raija Tenhunen was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Raija preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Raija believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Raija perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.
Raija was born on February 23, 1938 at home in rural Vahvialam, Finland. Her parents were Armas and Hilja. Raija was raised in Lahti, Finland. As a young child, Raija was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Raija rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.
Early on in her family relationships, Raija showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with nine. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.
As she was growing up, Raija developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Raija liked concrete things. Growing up, Raija took part in swimming and cross country skiing. However, to Raija, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.
Those who didn’t know Raija well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Raija was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Raija’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were Oili. Later in life, she became friends with Irene Karkkainen and Ron Gray.
Raija was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Raija was blessed with three daughters, Irene and Leena Tenhunen and Heidi Tiehe. She was also blessed with four grandchildren Tanya, Amanda, Bryan and Shona, four great grandchildren Mikko, Charlotte, Lilja and Juliet.
Raija found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was a Meat Clerk. She was employed for 30 years at Dominion. Raija tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.
Raija enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were billiards and knitting. Raija was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.
Raija liked sports. Raija was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf and baseball.
Raija was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Raija’s favorite pets were Peppi, a Finnish Bear dog; Pipsa, a Bijon Frishe and Eloy and Simon, her cats.
When Raija’s retirement finally arrived in 1991, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Toronto. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing pool. Even in retirement, Raija continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.
Raija passed away on January 19, 2013 at Toronto East General Hospital from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. She is survived by her daughters Irene, Leena and Heidi; grandchildren Tanya, Amanda, Bryan and Shona and great grandchildren Mikko, Charlotte, Lilja and Juliet. Services were held at Trull Funeral Home and Cremation Centre.
Raija was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Raija always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Raija was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Raija Tenhunen.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18