LAAKSO, I. Thelma (SIPPOLA)

August 4, 1936 – August 20, 2015 In loving memory of Thelma Ilona Laakso (nee Sippola), 79 years, Thursday, August 20th, 2015 at Health Sciences North after a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife of Raymond Laakso (predeceased) of Sudbury. Loving mother of Larry (Linda) and cherished grandmother of Troy and Avalon, all of Sudbury. Dear daughter of Niilo and Ellen (Annala) Sippola, both predeceased. Devoted sister of Darlene Comba (Brent) and auntie to her nephews, Evan Comba (Cara), and Ryan Comba, all of Sudbury, with whom she shared a special bond. Dear aunt, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend to many nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends, all over Canada, the United States, and Finland. Thelma wore many hats throughout her life; she worked for many years at the bank and at Revenue Canada, and she also devoted herself to childcare. She loved children and gave her time and attention wholeheartedly to helping to raise her child, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, none of whom will ever forget her. Upon her retirement, Thelma was allowed more time to appreciate the peace and quiet at her cottage at Ham Lake, where she and Ray enjoyed endless games of Scrabble and Yahtzee (and the occasional bear). A skilled craftswoman, she dedicated many hours to knitting for good causes. She loved her family with abandon and evidenced her affection by way of countless fabulous meals and desserts. Her squares are legendary. Perhaps one of the most efficient persons to have graced our planet, during the last few weeks of her life, she exhibited considerable impatience with death for taking so long to “get this show on the road”. She is now a shining star above, no doubt organizing things in heaven, and she will be in our hearts forever. Our world is a poorer place without her in it. The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the dedicated and skilled doctors and nurses at Health Sciences North who went above and beyond to care for Thelma during her last weeks on earth. At Thelma’s urging there will be a private funeral for family and close friends only, in the Lougheed Funeral Home, 252 Regent Street, Sudbury. Cremation will be held at the Park Lawn Crematorium. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; For I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; Yea, I will help thee; Yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10).