Eila Annikki Reinikka, age 85 years, died at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital after a brief illness on May 23, 2023, with her husband, daughter, and granddaughter by her side.
She was born in Tampere, Finland into a large family to Väinö and Toini Mäkelä. She immigrated to Canada settling in Port Arthur, Ontario in 1967 where she became a lifelong resident. Eila was a woman who worked hard all her life, starting at the Hoito Restaurant and Confederation College and then retiring from Dawson Court. She was known for her generosity, smile, and infectious laugh, and would make friends easily wherever she would go.
She will be deeply missed by many friends and family, especially her lifelong partner of 52 years Frank Martins, daughter Jaana Reinikka (Adrian), son Raine Reinikka (Brenda), grandchildren Shane and Quinn Baskin, Jordan Richard, Jessica and Madeline Reinikka, Erik and Heidi Reinikka, great grandchildren Everly and Arthur Medwick, and Yarrow Benoit. She was predeceased by her son Arto Reinikka, stepson Carlos Martins, her parents, numerous siblings and relatives in Finland.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bassuony, Dr. Watt, and the nursing staff on floor 2B at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital for their exceptional care.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 29, 2023 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, presided by Rev. Sirpa Tolppanen of Hilldale Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Cremation will follow with interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date.
