It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Audrey Lois Oja (née Coombes), age 94, on July 7, 2025 in Mississauga, ON. Audrey was born on June 13, 1931 in Fort William (later Thunder Bay) Ontario and lived a full life, enjoying her family, friends and neighbours. Audrey had a fulfilling career with the Bank of Montreal beginning in Fort Willliam on Victoria Avenue then transferring to Toronto in 1958 where she married her High School (FWCI) sweetheart Elmer Oja. After her retirement from the BMO, Audrey volunteered at the neighbourhood library where she carried on her love of reading.
She is survived by her husband of almost 67 years Elmer Oja, brother-in-law Eldon Oja and sister-in-law Jeanette Oja, niece Cathy Oja (Ben), nephew Conrad Oja (Kelly), her cousin Bobby Tonkin of BC, sister-in-law Thelma Oja and many more nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Violet and Charles Coombes, brother-in-law Elgin Oja and sister-in-law Eleanor (Nick) Osipenko.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life was held at St. John’s Dixie Cemetery in the Sandalwood Room in Mississauga, ON. Internment will be at a later date in Thunder Bay.
Rest in peace, Audrey. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you.
