Ms. Marja (Mary) Berg, age 72 years, resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, March 11th, 2024. Born in Finland on July 3, 1951, Mary grew up in the Bay & Algoma Finnish neighbourhood in Port Arthur. She was an honours student who attended Cornwall Elementary, Hammarskjold High School, and Confederation College. She was employed as an RPN at Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, followed by St. Joseph’s Care Group where she worked as a compassionate and very knowledgeable psychiatric health professional in the community until her retirement. Mary was an advocate for the mentally ill, never shying away from sharing her own story of living with schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type. As a result of her dedication to community work, she was an honoured recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, hosted by the Lieutenant Governor at Queen’s Park.
Mary loved live music and was a true rocker until the end. She thoroughly enjoyed the Thunder Bay Blues Festival and dancing to live music at local venues. Above all, family was her heart. She also loved to cook, and especially cherished making pizza from scratch with her grandchildren and teaching the art of perogy-making. Mary treasured time at camp with family and friends, sitting around the fire, sharing stories, and listening to music.
Anyone who knew Mary, knew she was a one-of-a-kind generous spirit who would talk to anyone and always lend a helping hand. She was unapologetically herself. Mary was adventurous, living across Canada, from Vancouver to Yarmouth in her younger years, and travelling to Finland and Mexico in her later years. She also found peace through gardening and her furry friends. Her love of both humankind and animals was undeniable. Mary, you will be missed terribly.
Mary is survived by children Leon (Sandra) and Tiffany (Dar) Jarva; grandchildren Beckham Thompson and Kylie, Malcolm, and Camryn Jarva; siblings Birgit Vuorela and Dave Levanto; sister-in-law Pat Pugh and brother-in-law Dennis Jarva; many loved nieces and nephews; and extended family in Finland. She is predeceased by husband Donald Jarva, grandchild Aidan Jarva, parents Edla and Kauno Viinikka and stepmother Siiri.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a private celebration of life. A heartfelt thanks to the 2 East staff at St. Joe’s—it takes a very special type of human to do what you do.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Addictions and Mental Health at St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay or the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
