Saara Hilkka Mikkola

August 6, 1929–December 5, 2025

Born in Veteli, Finland to Matti & Hilda Leppävouri. Youngest of nine children. Predeceased by her parents & siblings. Saara was daughter, sister, aunt, cousin. Saara was a wife. Married for 57 years to her love, Eino Mikkola. They began their adventure in Canada in Timmins & Elliot Lake, Ontario. They made the big move out west in 1964 & British Columbia remained home until the end.

Saara was Äiti to 3 children: Pirkko & (Martti) Sihvo, Paula & Mark Sorrey, and Henry & Jaana Mikkola.

Saara was Mummu to Jeni, Nina, Tina, Mika, Lisa, Laura, Elizabeth, James, Carson, & Lauren. She was Saara Mummo to William, Alana, Elissa, Mark, Matthew, Amanda, Lukkas, Ainsley, Alexander, Emmett, Melody, Jacob, Hailey, & Andrew.

Saara embraced everyone else who joined her family over the decades, including her godson, Mark & Louise Suominen & family.

Saara was a friend. Connection was everything to her; she loved deeply. She loved to garden, create in the kitchen, knit, and crochet. Hospitality, serving, & caretaking came naturally to her. She was generous, imaginative, merry, known for both laughter & stories.

Saara loved her Finnish community in Canada but always missed her family in Finland. Finland was often on her mind & always in her memories.

Saara enjoyed worship at the Finnish Lutheran church. She loved the Lord & prayed for assurance of salvation. Despite her long battle with dementia, she did not forget Him. She called on Him in her final hours, Kulta Herra (Precious Lord). We know she is safe in the presence of our Lord, & we look forward to seeing her again.

A special thanks to the staff at AgeCare Holyrood Manor for providing Saara with compassion & care over the years. We are grateful to those who gave of their hearts, energy, & time.

Much loved & always missed, Rakas Äiti & Mummo. XO