Peacefully at Mauno Kaihla Koti, Ontario Finnish Resthome, on Sunday, October 27, 2024 with her three daughters by her side, three days before her 89th birthday. Raili was born in Timmins, Ontario and is predeceased by her Finnish immigrant parents Uuno and Hanna Erkkila. Beloved wife of the late Pauli Piippo (2019). Dearly loved mother of Paula Matheson (Don), Mimi Silk Eppert (Erich) and Karen Piippo. Cherished grandmother of Matt Matheson (Kate), Jake Matheson (Samantha), Andrew Silk (Bridget) and Scott Silk. Devoted great grandmother (Mummi) of Grayson Silk and Jakson Silk. Mom will be lovingly remembered by Jennifer Silk, Josh Valade and Celeste Silk-Valade. Sister of the late Anne Sutherland and the late Jack Erkkila (late Lila). She will be missed by her many relatives and friends in Canada and Finland, especially her nieces. She had a special bond with her goddaughter Ann Marie Sutherland which began in Timmins and followed both their lives to Sault Ste. Marie.
Mom and Dad were both founding members of the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association (OFRA) and they spent countless hours helping to develop this well known facility. Mom was also the director of the first phase of OFRA known as Suomi Eesti Maja, for many years. She loved her role and the residents there. She was also a founding member of the Ladies Auxiliary of OFRA which began in the basement of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church and was intended to raise funds for the long-term care facility.
A private graveside service will be held with Pastor Brad Mittleholtz officiating.
Memorial donations to the Ontario Finnish Resthome Association-New MKK, would be appreciated by the family.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Haapala for the previous years care of our parents, the angels at Kotitalo and Maunu Kaihla Koti, otherwise known as doctors, RPNs, PSWs, nurses, Nurse Practitioners, housekeeping, dietary, maintenance and administration.
Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). www.northwoodfuneral.com
In Our Hearts
We thought of you today.
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday.
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories.
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake.
With which we’ll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our heart.