Obituary of Raija Aulikki Rauhanen

Raija Aulikki Rauhanen (n. Jokinen) went to her much deserved rest on the morning of Friday, February 12, 2021.  Predeceased by her husband Elias (Eko) in 2007 and daughter Maarit in 2016, Raija was born in Jyvaskyla, Finland on March 9, 1936 to Kalle and Alli Jokinen.

Raija and Eko were married on August 22, 1952 and emigrated from Jyvaskyla to Ontario, Canada in 1957 with their daughter Marja-Leena and son Hannu.  Daughter Maarit was born in 1957 in Red Lake Ontario.  The family lived in Toronto, Ear Falls and Elliot Lake, Ontario before returning to Finland in 1960 to reunite with Raija’s family. Daughter Jaana was born in Jyvaskyla in 1962. 

The family returned to Canada, this time to the west coast in 1964 to settle in the Vancouver area.  Son Jouni was born in 1965 and Raija’s family from Finland emigrated to join the family in Canada.

Following a long career, Raija retired from her work as a cook at the Finnish Canadian Rest Home. She and Eko and all of the family loved spending time together and especially at the family cabin at Hawkins Lake in the BC Cariboo.

Aiti will be forever loved and missed by her children, Marja, Hannu (Charmaine), Jaana & Jouni (Tricia).  Much loved Mummu will be missed by her grandchildren, Denny, Haley, Christyn, Evan, Derek, Kevin, Bryan, Kelsey, Bradley and Angela.  Nine great grandchildren will also miss the love and presence of their Mummu. Aiti was a lifelong animal lover and enjoyed the company of her many dogs and cats over the years. Her beloved cat Mirri will miss her very much.

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