Passed away on Monday, June 30th, just shy of her 86th birthday. Predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Lenni, in January 2018. Loving mother of Erika (Jamie Hamilton). Cherished Mummu to her grandson "Jaakko Kulta", Jack Szostak, the light of her life, and dedicated "dog" Mummu to Gulliver and Kai.
Hilkka will be sorrowfully missed by her brother, Martti (Mirja) Maenpaa of Alavus, Finland. Fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren in Finland, USA, Australia and Canada.
Hilkka was born in Alavus, Finland, and immigrated to Canada in 1958. During her lifetime, Hilkka was a dedicated mother and housewife as well as successful business owner with her husband when they operated Northern Lights Restaurant in Wawa from 1985-1988. In 1988, they relocated to Sault Ste. Marie, where she worked in the kitchen of the Hiawatha Lodge Banquet Hall and in 1989, they operated Frenchies' Fries for one season before she started working in the kitchen at the Ontario Finnish Resthome where she retired in the fall of 2003.
Hilkka had a great sense of humour, loved to laugh, enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, handicrafts, being active in the Finnish community and spending time with her grandson, Jack, and the rest of her family.
At her request no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Autism Ontario - Adult Programs, or Breaking Away SSM, in honour of her grandson, Jack.
A special thank you to attending first responders for their compassionate assistance.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Northwoods Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758). www.northwoodfuneral.com