Elsa Levanen

Elsa Maria Levanen, age 92, passed away on November 25, 2023 in St. Jospeh’s Hospice.
 
Elsa was born on March 26, 1931 in Soini, Finland to Hendrick and Ida Ylatalo. Elsa immigrated to Canada in the early 50’s. Employed at the Hoito Restaurant, then as a cookee at various bush camps and later at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital as kitchen help.
 
Elsa was a proud homemaker, her hands were never idle. She was known for being a great hostess, cooking, knitting, sewing and gardening. The yard had a beautiful show of well tended flowers. She was talented in so many ways. Elsa also gave her service to the Christ Lutheran Church volunteering for many years.
 
Elsa and Aarne had many years together. Family trips were made to the USA, in Canada and to Finland forty years after immigrating. They enjoyed camping, fishing, blueberry picking, the camp in Forbes, bushwork, hunting and enjoying nature. Elsa was kind hearted and generous, who gave her love to family and friends. 
 
Forever remembered.
 
Elsa is survived by her children Margaret Kujala (Alan), Irene Rautio (Allan), Arnold Levanen, Tammy Cheshire (Tom), eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, sisters Eila Butikofer and Sinikka Salmi, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and relatives in Canada and Finland. She was predeceased by her husband Aarne, son Eric and brother-in-law Marvin Salmi.
 
A private graveside service for the late Elsa will be held at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of your choice or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
 
Appreciation and thank you to all the staff at PR Cook Apartments who made everything easier for her in the last three years. She loved it there! Thank you to all the doctors and nurses at TBRHSC and St. Joseph’s Hospice.