Kaarina Kirsila Roy

Kaarina Hilkka Roy, nee Kirsila, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2010. Kaarina was born July 16, 1926 in Fort Frances, Ontario to Axel and Ida Kirsila. She married Leonard Roy in 1947. Kaarina was the proud mother of five children, Diana (Robert) Coulombe, Thunder Bay; Michael (Tina Wilson) Roy, Fort Frances; Donna (Razvan) Sima, Houston, TX; Lorina (James Hourie) Pederson, Smithers, BC., and Susann (Larry Norton) Boivin, Fort Frances. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jeffrey Gaylord, Michael Roy, Jr., Tammie Roy and Rene Boivin as well as four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Avery, Eric and Haley. She also leaves to mourn, her precious feline companion, Copper.

Kaarina was predeceased by her husband, Leonard on September 11, 2010 and her parents, Ida in 1988 and Axel in 1963. Also surviving are her brother, Ensio Kirsila of International Falls, MN. and son James Kirsila and family of Seattle, WA., sisters-in-law, Virginia Eiden, Grand Rapids, MN., Sharon McNaughton, Edmonton, AB and Terril Pentney, London, ON and their families.

Over many years her favourite charitable causes included the Canadian Cancer Society,The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the World Wildlife Federation (W.W.F.), the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A), and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (I.F.A.W.).

Kaarina was a very nurturing and loving person who always put her family above all else, including the many pets she devouted time and love to throughout her lifetime. She had a kind heart and a gentle soul, making her well-liked by all who knew her. Kaarina enjoyed reading, music, and tending to flowers.

Never to be told she couldn’t do something, she took on everything as a challenge. At the age of 80, she visited the Hawaiian Islands and at the age of 81, cruised the Bahamas with her daughter, Donna. Kaarina’s vigour for life was unparalleled and something to be envied at any age.

She will be very deeply missed by all who knew her. For her children and grandchildren: “the light may have faded from our eyes, but the flame still burns deeply within our hearts so, go now, Mom, and be with those that have created a new garden for you. We love you and will all meet again”.

Family and friends are welcome to join in the celebration of Kaarina's life at Green Funeral Home on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Kaarina has requested donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, or to the Friends of Animals in care of Green Funeral Home, 600 Reid Avenue, Fort Frances, ON.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.