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.
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Shaun Hovatta
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Stuart + Adriana 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
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susan dunn 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.
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Cindy and Joe Archer 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.
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Anu, Petteri and Pihla 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 <3You all are in our thoughts, olette ajatuksissamme.
With deepest sympathy,
Anu, Petteri and baby girl Pihla
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Anne and Ari 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.
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Toini, second eldest sister Dear Disa and Harri,
You have my deepest sympahties.
I am very sad to hear of Soili’s, my sister’s, sudden passing. The geographical distance does not dispel the kinship. Our mutual childhood with wars and evacuations made our sisterhood very special – then the Finnish SISU was more than needed. I will always cherish Soili’s memory.
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Cassie Eng Dear Disa and Harri,
My condolences go out to your family in this difficult time.
For the longest time, ever since I started in line dancing and the jamborees, my grandmother and I have always had the pleasure of dancing with Soili. She was always a light of energy and delighted all of us with her good humor. Her smiles always perked us up along with her inner strength.
We will always remember that about Soili. She will be missed greatly by those in our dancing group and those who were given the blessing of basking in her light.
Thank you and love always Soili, may peace be with you.
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Gail and Ken Pohl We were very sorry to hear of Soili’s sudden passing. She was a lovely lady. We were her neighbours for 8 yrs. between 1988-96. She was always very nice to us even though I’m sure we drove her crazy with all our reno and kid noise. We have fond memories of her.
So sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Gail and Ken Pohl
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Sue, Karie and Lauren Harri, Disa, Julie, Jarod and Adrian,
From our family to yours, each of our hearts goes out to you at the loss of your beautiful mom. Soili was such a unique lady and was always so full of light and smiles every time we were around her. We wish great strength and courage through this difficult time and for you to know that our family will ALWAYS be there for you not matter what.
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Jan Lalone and Alex Halkett Disa and Harri,
Please know that our thoughts and condolences are with you during this most difficult time.
Soili was very much our chosen ‘stand beside’ for many years of line dance classes and jamborees because of the delight we enjoyed in her company and conversation. Indeed, along with her friendship, it is her ‘sisu’ – that certain Finnish something that is at once pragmatism, inner strength, perseverance, and will tempered with great good humour – that we will truly remember and miss.
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Barb Owens (Thompson) Disa and Harri,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. May all the special memories that you shared as a family comfort you at this difficult time. ♥
Sincerely,
Barb ( your old Heatherly Street neighbour )
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Jan Lavallee Disa – Sincere condolences in the loss your mother.
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Norman & Bonnie Mar To the Family of our friend Soili,
Our sincerest condolences in the sad loss of our dear friend Soili.
We linedanced with Soili for many many years and went on a Caribbean Cruise with her and a group of linedancers.in 2003, a cruise we still talk about to this day because we all had so much fun together. Soili loved linedancing and we have been to many jamborees with her as well as other social gatherings.
Soili was a special lady. She always had that special smile when she greeted us. She was always pleasant and had lots to talk about but never had a bad word to say about anyone.
Love you and will miss you Soili.
Norman & Bonnie
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Joan Crossfield I was very sad to hear of Soili’s passing. She was so young at heart. I line danced with her for many years. We also travelled to Alaska back in 2002 with the line dancing group. She will be missed by all who knew her.
My prayers go out to her family.
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Scott and Julie Robinson Harri and Disa,
Our hearts go out to you in the loss of your mother and dear friend. Although we did not know her, we can tell that she must have been a very special woman having lived an adventurous life and having raised two wonderful children. Her strength and virtue will live on through you.
My condolences