LARTON, I. Meeri (Mary) (LAHTINEN)

Meeri passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 at age 97 at the Hoivakoti long-term care facility of Finlandia Village, Sudbury, Ontario. Born Dec. 31, 1916, in Loimaa, Finland, she was the fourth of five children of parents Saima and Kalle Kallio – Milda, Oiva, Kauko and Alpo – all predeceased. Meeri is predeceased by her loving husband Reino (Ray) Larton (Lahtinen), whom she married on July 27, 1941 and who passed away in 1996. From humble beginnings, she was competitive, aspiring to use her talents in school, music, and physical activities. Emigrating to Canada in March 1950, Meeri and Reino became life-long residents of Sudbury, both working in the printing trade until retirement. She and Reino were very generous with the family, encouraging them to work hard and supporting them in their endeavours. Mumma was rewarded by the family’s tribute as making the best cabbage rolls anywhere. Meeri leaves her growing and thriving family: sons Martti (Diane) and Jorma (Nancy); her Larton grandchildren Jason (Heather), Matthew (Leeann), Jacob; her Lahtinen grandchildren Reina (Tim Straka), Kalli (Charlie Sanford), Nyall; her great- grandchildren Kristin, Bruce, Rhea, Sawyer, and Anna. She is survived also by nieces Ritva and Marjatta in Turku, Finland; sister-in-law (Sisko Kallio) in Astoria, Oregon; and five Kallio nephews and nieces (Erkki, Marjatta, Reino, Riitta and Nancy) residing in Ontario. The family invites friends to Finlandia Koti (Sali room) 233 Fourth Avenue, on Tuesday, December 16th, 2014 to gather for a Celebration of Life from 2 to 4 pm, with prayers at 2 pm for a memorial service to remember 'Mumma’. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through Lougheed Funeral Home www.lougheed.org In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Sudbury Food Bank are welcomed. Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home.