In loving memory ~
Our dear cousin Martta died peacefully on June 15, 2023, in the seniors' ward of Cowichan Lodge in Duncan, BC. She was 77.
Martta was born in Chemainus and lived much of her life in the home her parents Aili (Poikonen) and Hannes Korpela built on Fuller Lake in the 1930s. Albums of photos from her life there remind us of her love of her pets (mostly cats, but a few dogs too), her apple orchard, and the friends and cousins who came for a coffee and a gingersnap from the cookie jar. Photos of these visits were always taken in the driveway, with the little white house with red steps, the orchard, and the lake as a backdrop. Martta studied Education at the University of Victoria and completed a business program at then-Malaspina College (VIU) before returning home and seemingly devoting her time to befriending everyone in town. Taking Martta out to lunch at a café in Chemainus felt a little like being a celebrity handler, as she was greeted by name with warmth wherever we went.
Martta was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her cousins Paula (Jeff), Nathan, Henry, and Jane Waatainen (Poikonen) of Nanaimo, and her many other cousins from the Olsen family. Martta experienced symptoms associated with psychosis for many years, and our family would like to offer our gratitude to the large network of healthcare providers in both the community and at Cowichan Lodge for the continuity of their exceptional care, friendship, and humour in their relationships with Martta over the decades. Thank you, too, to the McGeragles and other neighbours and community members whose friendship enriched Martta's life.
We will host a Celebration of Life for Martta at First Memorial Funeral Services at 375 Brae Road in Duncan on Thursday, July 13 at 2:00 pm, with Rev. Katherine Brittain of Sylvan United Church officiating. All who knew her are welcome. Please feel free to bring a story to share!
In lieu of flowers, we would invite donations in Martta's name to the VIU Foundation Access Fund, which provides financial assistance to students facing barriers to continuing their education. https://giving.viu.ca/
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