Irjas family
My sincere condolences.
HANSEN (NEE VAINIO), Irja
1933 - 2024
Irja passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 1st at the age of 91 years. She bravely fought her illness, determined to live to 106. Although she didn't reach that goal, her life was very full.
She was born in Hearst Ontario to Helmi and Urpo Vainio and she was the 3rd of seven children. The family moved to the Federal area of Kirkland Lake where Irja did her early schooling and of course later at KLCVI.
She met and married Harry Hansen and lived on McCamus Ave. where they raised 3 daughters, Karen, Sharon and Judy. As well as raising her girls, Irja worked at the Northern Daily News, North Star Plumbing, The Strand Theater, Carl's Office Supply, Heath & Sherwood and the Legion over her many years.
Irja was very active in the Curling Club and Beta Sigma Phi making many lifelong friends along the way. She even taught yoga exercises for a short while! She loved making people laugh and would put on costumes (big Bird!) and visit kids at the hospital. She loved saying her "Finnish Flips" to whoever asked! She was an entertainer!
Harry and Irja were long time members of the Phelps Lake Hunt Club and spent many great and memorable times with their fellow members throughout the years, both at the hunt camp and in KL.
Irja and Harry did some traveling in their 63 years together. They saw Canada from Tuktoyaktuk and Vancouver Island to the east coast and Florida. Their favourite place on earth was the cottage at Butler Lake. After Harry retired they made this their permanent home. They loved to entertain at the lake and they were both so proud of all they had built there.
Irja was well known for making her Finnish Pulla (coffee) bread. Many, many guests to the lake went home with a loaf of her bread! She loved having visitors at beautiful Butler Lake (many called her "Mom") and she treasured the friendships of her fellow lake dwellers. She was ever so grateful for the help she received from them in her later years after Harry's passing (you know who you are!) She was still snow blowing that long driveway at 88 years old for goodness sake!!
Sadly for us, Irja has now joined her husband Harry and her daughter Sharon as well as her parents Helmi and Urpo, siblings Jouko, Esko, Irma, Raine, Mirja and Reino.
Left to mourn are her surviving children, Karen (Larry) Larocque, and Judy Hansen as well as grandsons Joshua Larocque, Clinton (Stephanie) Larocque, Zachary (Victoria) Smith and Molly (Trevor) Smith. Irja was blessed with 4 great grandsons, Jeramie, Eric, Nolan and Ethan Larocque.
The family would like to express profound gratitude to Ontario Health Care, specifically the VON nurses and PSWs who took such wonderful care of Irja, allowing her to stay in her home and live her life to the end in the place she cherished most.
Those who wish to do so may make a donation in Irja's name to the Kirkland Lake Legion Branch 87.
At Irja's request no formal service will be held.
Irja may not have lived as long as she wanted to, but she will live forever in our hearts.
♥
Write your sympathies or tribute
20 messages received
Karen and family
My condolences to you and your family in the loss of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She had a fun and wonderful life with whoever was there. RIP Irja.
Karen, Judy and family
We will miss her deeply, she will always be "Mom" to us. We have had many good times with her. We will always remember her favourite saying "I'll drink to that" no matter the conversation. RIP Irja
Judy Karen & family
So sorry for your loss Sending my heartfelt condolences Georgia
Karen, Josh and family
Irja was such a wonderful cottage neighbour with a zest for life...she did make the best Pula we have ever tasted! Wonderful person with a wonderful spirit...may your memories of her be a blessing to you all.
Karen and family
I curled with Irja years ago, such a fun lady and full of life. The Finnish bread, so so good! She was always up for a visit at the lake. May she rest peacefully.
Karen & family
Loved this lady, so inspirational. Butler Lake lost an icon, they don’t make them like that anymore.
Karen, Judy and family
I am sorry to read of Irja’s passing. She was a special lady. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Karen and family
Especially hard when you lose a mother. Our sincere condolences.
Doug and Leslie Biggs
Karen Judy and Family
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to you all during this difficult time and although we only knew Irja for a short time, she definitely left her indelible mark on us .she was one feisty, funny remarkable lady who made everyone around her laugh until it hurt.She may be gone but will never be forgotten and oh that Pulla bread was the best ever…hopefully, the wonderful memories you all have will somewhat ease your pain.Rest in Peace Irja
Joe and Tanja
Karen, judy and family
Deepest condolences on your mom Irja ......beautiful busy lady .....forever in your hearts and memories.....do take care
The Family
I am very sorry to hear of Irjas’ passing . I worked with her for a short time at the Legion and always appreciated her organizational skills, sense of humour , and enthusiasm ! I was fortunate to have met her!
My condolences to the family .
Brian Hamilton
Karen & Judy
I am so sorry for your loss. It is a loss for everyone who knew Irja. We were sorority sister in Beta Sigma Phi for over 40 years. I once paid $12.00 for one of Finnish breads at a charity auction in the '80s. She was still smiling and as cheerful as always, when I saw her last summer in Kenogami.
Charlene Stevens, September 6, 2024
Karen & Family
Our sincere condolences go out to all of you in the passing of your dear Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time!
Larry & Emily
To her family
My heart brakes for her family such a nice person had many occasions of helping her in service for her Dodge at Findlay's and we had so many good conversation such kind person RIP Irja
Monique Coughlin, September 7, 2024
Karen & Larry & Families
Kaye & I send our deepest sympathies on the passing of your Mom, we always felt very welcome when invited to visit, Irma was a wonderful lady, her zest for life was amazing, we are sure she will missed very much by all. ️
Lynn & Kaye Stabryla , September 9, 2024
Karen and family
I send my most sincere sympathy
for your loss. Although Irja and I met in our senior years we became instant friends. She had a great sense of humour, kind and determined to live to 100.
Rest in peace my friend
Karen and Family
Dear Karen and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss the trips out for Chinese food, and exchanging jigsaw puzzles with your Mom. Your Mom's pullaa was the best, I will miss that too. Maybe your Mom can share some with Oliver up above.
Please take care,
Helen
Karen and Judy and families.
I find it a struggle to find the exact words to decribe my thoughts of Irja from my perspective. I grew up around Irja and Harry. Our parents were life long friends. I was at Phelps Lake today and sat on the front deck. It was so beautiful. Big blue sky and zero wind. Magical. I said a little prayer there for Irja. To be free; to be with Harry and all those who have passed before. I could feel Irja right there looking to cause some disturbance in a good way.... I loved Irja as did my mom. She always looked out for me. She has become a piece of me. I will play her forward. You are at peace now Irja. You did good. Real good. I thank you for being in my life. You mattered.
Karen, Larry, and family
Your Mom was a wonderful lady, full of humor. I remember her coming in to the family health team in her later years announcing she was pregnant. Remember Karen...lol always a smile on her face. She was a trooper.
My sincere condolences! Love Brenda and Gaston
