KIVIKANGAS, M. Meeri (Raaska)

In loving memory and with heavy hearts the family of Meeri Marjatta Kivikangas (nee Raaska) wishes to announce her passing on March 6th, 2014 at Health Sciences North. Born July 27th, 1930 in Ӓyrӓpӓӓ, Finland. Meeri immigrated to Canada in 1957. On September 27th, 1958 she became the beloved wife of Veikko Kivikangas. Predeceased by her parents in Finland (Juha and Rauha Raaska). Loving mother of Glenn Kivikangas (predeceased) and Anne Bellmore (Stuart). Lovingly remembered by her grandson John Bellmore and granddaughter Harmony Bellmore. Cherished great grandmother to Jordana, fondly known by Meeri as “Iso Mummun kulta.” Dear sister of Leo Raaska (predeceased in Sudbury in 1998) and brothers Pauli and Raimo Raaska and sister Leena Lindros in Finland. Dear Aunt to Pauli Raaska in Sudbury. Godparent to Kari Raaska (and family) in Guatemala, Kai Saarinen (and family) in Sudbury and Maria Wallenius in Kitchener. Meeri will be sadly missed by her extended family and friends in Finland and Canada. She was a special friend of Oiva and Edey Saarinen (“her guardian angel”) and Albert and Marie Bouclin (“her guardian bishop”). Meeri as a devoted mother and grandmother who loved to cook meals in a Martha Stewart fashion. Her home was her pride and joy and was always immaculately kept. She loved landscaping and once received a Sudbury Horticultural Society award for the most attractive flower garden in Sudbury. Wherever they moved, the garden was sure to follow. Among her interests were keeping up with women’s fashions, reading, playing cards, following British royalty and keeping up with current events. She was a member of the Finnish-Canadian Historical Society of Sudbury and St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. A Memorial Service will be held in the R. J. Barnard Chapel, Jackson & Barnard Funeral home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury on Friday, May 2nd, 2014 at 11:30am. Friends may call after 10:30am. Donations to the Knights of Kaleva or St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church would be appreciated.