Jean (Thompson) Kuoppala and Eino Kuoppala

Eino and Jean’s love story began in 1969. From the moment they first met, they became inseparable and began to build a life together. Language and cultural barriers could not stop their love. From that moment on, Eino was blessed with two daughters: Roberta Thompson and Lisa Donio. Before Eino and Jean married on September 14, 1973, they welcomed another daughter Rikka Kuoppala. 7 years, 10 months, and 5 days later their first son Joseph Kuoppala arrived. Then again 7 years, 10 months, and 5 days after Joseph, their second son Joshua Kuoppala was born.
 
Eino was a skilled carpenter, bush worker, miner, and avid sportsman. Jean was an incredible homemaker, talented baker, and home chef, and was known for her incredible generosity and love for others. Together they shared a love for gardening and nature. Many outdoor adventures were enjoyed by the family camping, fishing, portaging, hunting, hiking, and exploring. Large family gatherings in their home were always a highlight of our lives. They received the Lord Jesus as their Saviour in 1987 and 1990 respectively and this gives us the reassurance that they are together now in heaven (John 3:16). They are now free to finally enjoy an eternal life of peace, rest, and joy and are surrounded by those that they have who have gone before them. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this September but now have an eternity to celebrate their love.
 
Together with our families, Lisa (John Semerling), Roberta Thompson, Rikka (Mark Berkan), Joseph Kuoppala, and Joshua Kuoppala are left to mourn and remember our parents who passed 305 days apart. They are also survived by grandchildren Amelia (Dean), Robert, Daniel, Dallas, Ashley, Preston, Judah, Julianna (Brady), and Angelina. To this date, they have also been blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild with more surely to come. Extended families are spread throughout Canada, Finland, and beyond. They are pre-deceased by a sunshine baby daughter, grandchildren Bella Berkan and Neil Thompson, their parents Issac & Riikka Kuoppala (Sievi, Finland) and David & Jane Thompson (MacDiarmid, ON), numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.
 
On Friday, June 9th we invite family and friends to a joint celebration of their lives in Thunder Bay. Please join us at 1250 Balmoral St, Thunder Bay (former Grassroots Church) from 12-3 pm for a short memorial service officiated by Pastor Roma Fisher of Faith City Church with a light lunch to follow. As cremation has already taken place, there will be no viewing available, but all are welcome to share memories of Eino and Jean at this time. On Saturday, June 10th, a light memorial lunch will be held at the BZA Hall in MacDiarmid, ON from 12-3 pm. Special thanks to all those who have offered and shown support to our families at this difficult time. Please forward any cards or flowers to the service locations on their given dates.