November 10, 1934 – June 24, 2012
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved mother, Soili Sivia Hovatta (nee Ikonen).
Soili was born in Helsinki, Finland, and immigrated to Canada in 1966 with her husband Pentti and their two young children. From the initial landing in Port Arthur, Ontario, the family soon headed west, to find paradise in Victoria.
Predeceased by Pentti in 1974, left to mourn Soili’s untimely passing are her loving children Disa (Adrian) and Harri (Julie) and feline friends Mel and Belle. Soili is also survived by her sisters Hilkka, Toini and Sirkku, and other extended family in Finland.
Mom truly embodied that elusive Finnish quality of “sisu”. Hers was not always an easy lot after Pentti’s death, yet she persevered and guided us through our (sometimes terrible) teens into adulthood in her own sensible, no nonsense fashion. She gave us our independence, yet could always be counted on to lend an ear and serve good advice, along with tea and cookies. After a chat with Mom, you always felt that everything would be okay.
Soili had her own flair for fashion, a quick wit and unique sense of humour and could always be counted on to say something outlandish, cracking up a family gathering. The annual jaunts to Mexico were quite an adventure. Mom would positively glow when the handsome host took her arm to escort “mama” to the table, leaving Disa in their dust.
Mom was an avid golfer (several trophies at Cedar Hill Golf Course bear witness to her skills), cut a graceful and elegant figure on the ballroom dance floor and loved kicking up her heels at line dancing jamborees. Mom’s “green thumb” is amply evident in her “cottage garden”, which continues to honour her with abundant bloom.
Soili was our mother and she was also our friend. We shall miss her more than words can ever express. Mom, you will always be in our hearts and in our thoughts.
Friends and family will have the opportunity to bid farewell to Soili at a Memorial Reception on Friday, July 6, 2012, 2:00 pm, at McCall’s Reception Centre, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory would be appreciated to the S.P.C.A. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
16 Responses
My condolences
Dear Harri & Julie,
We are so saddened to hear of your families sudden loss; Soili sounds like a truly inspirational women who ventured along a fantastic journey.
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now & in the days ahead.
Your family is in our thoughts, Hugs,
Stuart + Adriana
I was so very sorry to read of the passing of your Mother. She was a dear friend of my Mothers, Mary Bell, who passed away last year. Your Mother & mine were good friends who, I believe met at golf at the Cedar Hill Golf Club, but found they had so much more in common such as dancing, which I think they attended together. I so appreciated your Mother’s care & concern for my Mother when she had developed Parkinson’s Disease. I would see your Mother walking mine over to the CHGC to walk around the trails. My Mom’s hands shook uncontrollably & she had dementia, but it didn’t deter your Mother from helping mine. When my Mom was placed in the hospital/care home, your Mom came to visit often. I’ll always remember your Mother’s kindness – she was a true jewel of a lady! She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
I’m sorry I was unable to attend her service as I was away on holidays and was saddened to read of her passing. I will definitely send a donation to the SPCA in loving memory of your dear Mother, Soili.
We are sorry for the passing of our friend and fellow dancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families. Soili very much enjoyed her dancing and travelling. And we very much enjoyed her participation. She is already greatly missed. But good memories will linger. We are thankful for the wonderful times we shared with Soili.
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Soili.
When Anu (Toini’s grandchild) was a child she used to write letters and switch photos with Soili. That was one way for Soili to keep up with her Finnish language and for Anu it was a wonderful way to get to know Soili, Disa and Harri. It was also very special for a young girl to have a penpal all the way over in Canada. Anu has many warm memories of that <3
You all are in our thoughts, olette ajatuksissamme.
With deepest sympathy,
Anu, Petteri and baby girl Pihla
Dear Disa and Harri,
We are so sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of Soili, my aunt. Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow. Please accept our warmest condolences on the loss of your loved mother. We can’t imagine the sadness you are feeling. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Hold tight to memories for comfort.
I have always felt Soili my closest aunt regardless of the geographical distance. My husband and I are so happy we visited Soili and you for a couple of years ago and had such a nice time in Victoria. Who could have guessed that we won’t see Soili again. She was so healthy with good humor then.
Disa and Harri, you are in our thoughts.
‘Muistot elävät’ are the words we want to say to you in Finnish.