MARKKULA, Mary Ann - Peacefully at Mauno Kaihla Koti on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the age of 88.
Predeceased by her husband Pentti Markkula. Beloved mother of Leo Markkula (Anne), Helen Lillie (David) and Paula Binkley (Tom). Loving grandmother of Ryan Markkula (Katie Wright), Kevin Markkula (Cait Tomlinson), Allison Markkula (David O'Sullivan), Kristin Mooney (Sean), Ashley Telford (Jason), Darcy Lillie (Rex Liddiard), Tyler Binkley (Brenna Tomas and daughter Brooke) and Kyleigh Provenzano (Christian). Great-grandmother of Harrison, Evelyn, Ivy, Audri, Kai, Daven, Tyler, Abigail, Isla, Chloe and Alice. Predeceased by her parents Martti Tuomela and Maire Tuomela and Ville Hein (late Irma). Sister of the late Kurt Erik Tuomela (late Anita) and sister-in-law to the late Kerttu Peltokangas (late Martti) and the late Anja Leppala (late Uuno). Survived and missed by many nieces and nephews and by relatives in Finland, Sweden and Canada.
Mary Ann was an entrepreneur at heart, loved working with people and especially loved to travel.
Born in Finland, she found a thriving Finnish community in Sault Ste. Marie. She owned and operated Mary Ann’s Confectionary for many years. Next came a bookkeeping business with a side line travel piece. She helped local Finns and businesses file their tax returns, do their books and payroll. She also helped Finnish travelers find their way through airports around the world, whether it was annual trips to the Caribbean or Finland or wherever her friends had their minds set on travelling to.
She loved being the go-to person for whatever problem or issue local Finn’s might have had. Whether it was how to apply for passports or Canada Pension, securing wills, helping those with English language difficulties navigate life in Canada was her speciality.
She was a founding member of the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association and a strong advocate for the entire Resthome complex.
Mary Ann was extremely proud of her Finnish heritage and usually filled the role of Treasurer of whatever organization she was involved with. The St. Mary’s Finnish Lutheran church, the OFRA Ladies Auxiliary, The Soo Finnish School were all better for her involvement.
The family would like to thank Dr. Perry, all of the nurses, PSW’s and staff that took such great care of Mary Ann during her stay at MKK.
At Mary Ann's request, a private family service will take place. Memorial contributions payable by cheque or online to Ontario Finnish Resthome Association (Building Fund) would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522). Online condolences and tributes at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.