Leena Irene Niemi

Toronto, ON – A force to be reckoned with, Leena Irene Niemi, 72 passed away suddenly on March 22, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer - compromised by other medical conditions. Less than 13 months after losing her husband and partner in life, Kari Juhani Niemi, Leena’s broken heart was beyond repair.

Leena is survived by her loving son, Michael Lee and feline, Ginger. She also leaves behind an entire street of neighbours-turned-loyal friends who remained by her side in life and death.

Leena was born and raised in Lahti, Finland - the middle child of a sibling trio (Tarja Kristiina Hurmola (aka Klinga) and Hannu Ilmari Klinga). She moved to Toronto in 1976 as a young woman looking for adventure. She prided herself on mastering the English language, whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen and meticulously creating a backyard garden that was the envy of all who were lucky enough to receive an invitation. If Leena liked you, you knew it. If Leena didn’t like you – you also knew it! She did not mince her words and we all loved her for her unadulterated honesty.

Leena and Kari were a curious and formidable Nordic pair who traveled the world together – revelling in getting to know others, never shy of debating politics and current events. “The Swede” and “nee Klinga” met more than 3 decades ago while they both worked as popular Correctional Officers at Toronto’s famed old Don Jail. Kari was hired first with Leena starting a year later in 1987. They were both respected by their jail colleagues and inmates alike for being non-judgemental and showing humanity to all they came into contact with.

Thoughtful and generous, Leena was one of the “wayward women on Wayland’ - always treating her close neighbours to homemade meals, prettied-up garden beds and special gifts but when one of those neighbours dared to reciprocate, they would assuredly be met with a quick middle finger and Leena’s favourite expletive spelled out loud: “F-U-#-K” for effect!

Leena did not want a funeral and she certainly wouldn’t want people sad or mourning her so, her family and friends ask that you do something really nice for one of your neighbours - unexpectedly - and then raise a cold glass of lager (or two) - in Leena’s memory.

“Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.”

― Abraham Lincoln