Senja Larson

Senja was predeceased by her parents Kustta and Senja Nurmi; brothers Olavi and Emil Nurmi, sisters Lil Siegert, Lyyli Pettis, Kerttu Maki; niece, Carolyn Musick, nephews Paul Siegert, Keith Nurmi and great nephew Mathew Nurmi as well as grandson Ian Larson.

Left to mourn are her husband Harvey Larson, children Maurits (Kathy) Larson, Randy (Teresa) Larson, Karen (Charles) Loewen; grandchildren Kiera (Carey) Loewen, Erik, Marla and Thor Larson; great grandchildren, Kai, Elliot and Henrik Loewen; sister Laila Lee; sister in law Bev Nurmi, Marianne (Lawrie) Sundin, Melvin (Dora) Larson; many nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends in North America and Finland.

Senja was born on November 11, 1933 in Emo, Ontario to Senja and Kusta Nurmi. She was raised on the family farm in Dobie Township and enjoyed a simple, but happy life with her loving parents and siblings. Senja attended Mather School and completed grade 8. She was an honors student who enjoyed learning, and was grateful for her education; it was her parents wish that their children attend until at least grade 8, as it was a great accomplishment during depression era times.

One of Senja’s favorite pastimes was reading, especially Canadian authors. Seldom was the nightstand without a book cracked open. Senja took interest in the world around her whether it was local or further afoot, especially if it involved the Nordic region.

Raised in a Finnish household, Senja was also fluent in Finnish and took great pride in this heritage. She held her connection to Finland dear, and kept in touch with various family members, especially cousins Markku and Hannele Leino and sons. One of the highlights of her life was a trip to visit them in Finland, with Harvey and sister Laila. The letters, phone calls and visits were a cherished highlight of her life.

Senja’s early work life involved various roles at tourist camps in Rainy River and Kenora districts. As a child growing up on the farm, Senja had to help with chores whether in the fields, the kitchen, or the household. When it came to working outside the farm, long hours at tourist lodges seemed of little consequence and a natural choice. Prior to marriage, Senja worked along side her sister Laila, at “Ash Rapid Lodge” on Lake of the Woods, as well as Red Deer Lodge, and Cottam’s in Nestor Falls. She enjoyed the work and the companionship of her sister and the many other young women who toiled with her.

In summer of 1954, while working at Bester’s Café in Sioux Narrows, Senja met her true love. In mother’s words, “Harvey came in to gawk at the new girl”. The second time he came to the café, he asked her out. He had bet the local boys he could be the first to win a date with Senja---and he did. Harvey and Senja were married October 28th, 1954 and settled into married life in Sioux Narrows.

In 1965, Harvey and Senja moved their 3 children to Atikokan so that Harvey could work at the mines. Senja quickly became immersed in a miner’s life by joining the Steelworker’s Union Ladies Auxilary where she met many good friends and often volunteered at various union events. She also was an avid outdoors person and enjoyed snowmobiling, having been a founding member of the SnoHo Club. Many winters were spent with Harvey on snowmobile trips, especially to White Otter castle or to Ely, Mn, or at their cabin at Perch Lake. Senja also loved to enjoy summers at the lake with her family where she would fish or pick berries or just relax and enjoy the simple beauty of lake life.

Senja worked seasonally for many years as a tree planter, enjoying the camaraderie of the local crew and the sense of accomplishment she got from earning money for her family.

Senja’s everyday life revolved around her home and she took great pride in being an exemplary homemaker. She loved gardening, and canning her summer’s crop, as well as cooking and baking, especially homemade bread and the many favorite recipes of her Finnish heritage. The pride she felt in her humble Finnish-Canadian beginnings was passed on to her children through her sharing of old time recipes and traditions at holiday time and day to day, through her excellent culinary skills.

When Senja wasn’t with her own family, she was often visiting extended family, especially her sisters and youngest brother. Holidays were sacred times to celebrate and catch up on life. Like all her family members, she was blessed with a positive disposition and a healthy sense of humor. The raucous family events were characterized by healthy jockeying for attention, with passionate sibling ribbing and peals of laughter. Even in their adult years, the siblings were close friends and always having fun.

Senja’s main goal in life was to find a good husband, become a homemaker and raise a family. In recent years, Senja often exclaimed to visitors what a good husband Harvey was. She gained a great sense of satisfaction knowing she had picked wisely, and been blessed with 3 children who were living accomplished lives. Senja was a loyal partner to Harvey and terrific mother who was always there for her family. This legacy lives on in her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Senja taught her children many life lessons. She was a loyal mother who provided a strong moral compass for her children. She believed her children needed to have a strong work ethic and an equally strong backbone to ensure they could stand up for any injustice to themselves or others.

Senja often told her children they had to have “sisu” (Finnish for courage) to get through life’s challenges. Though Senja lived in the Atikokan Hospital Extended Care Wing for more than 3 years, she herself faced life with “sisu” right to the end, never complaining of her situation. She was almost always cheerful, not one to wallow in misfortune. Her family is grateful for the example she set even in the hardest of times.

Senja was a woman of unrelenting loyalty and love, demonstrated by her boundless acts of kindness, sacrifice and dedication to her family.

We will all miss her humor, laughter, strong opinions, giving heart and all the countless ways she enriched her family’s life.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held on Saturday August 16th 2014 at 1pmat Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan. Her children, grandchildren and niece Deborah Lee will be honorary pallbearers. More details will be provided at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Atikokan Hospital Extended Care Wing. On line condolences can be made atwww.dignitymemorial.com