In loving memory of Lempi Taskinen (nee Memonen), who passed away Wednesday September 23rd at the age of 94 yrs, after a brief illness. Lempi was born in Suojärvi in the Kaleva region of Finland in 1926, and fled the advancing Soviet army with her family in WWII, settling in the Nurmes region after the war. As a young woman, she emigrated to Canada alone in 1953, married, and lived in Copper Cliff independently until her death. She is survived by her son, Harry (Lucia), and is the cherished mummu to her only grandchild, Alyssa, with whom she shared a special bond. She is predeceased by her parents, Theodor and Eva Memonen (Popow), and siblings Vilho, Benjam, Annikki, Julia, Aaro, and Faina. She is greatly missed by her sister Ester Korhonen (Tauno), with whom she spoke regularly by telephone, brother Martti Memonen (Liisa), and many nieces and nephews in Finland. Lempi was very involved in the Finnish community, participating as a long-time member of the Ladies of Kaleva and Sudbury South Seniors and was recognized as a War Veteran for Finland. She willingly volunteered her culinary skills at countless teas and events at Finlandia Koti and other venues, and is known for her delicious pulla and cherry cheesecake. Although her health deteriorated over the past months, she was an example of the Finnish SISU spirit, and could often be seen gardening or tending to her yard, which she meticulously maintained. Above all, she was a much loved mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, who was steadfast, strong, gracious, humble and she will be greatly missed.
Resting at Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury. Family and Friends may pay their respects Wednesday September 30th between 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m., with prayers in the R. J. Barnard Chapel at 1:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a maximum of 80 people will be allowed in the Chapel. Masks are mandatory. For those who cannot attend, the funeral will be streamed at https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160108300678560.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Knights and Ladies of Kaleva Inc. scholarship fund, or Finlandia Koti.