The family of Aila Joyce Larocque, age 64 years, are heartbroken to announce her peaceful passing on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre surrounded by the love of her family, following a battle with myelofibrosis which she bravely fought with her Finnish “Sisu”.

Aila was born on July 25, 1953 and lived in Silver Mountain, Ontario. She attended Nolalu Elementary School and Churchill High School. She received her Registered Nursing diploma from Lakehead Regional School of Nursing in 1973 and went on to serve as a dedicated and highly-respected nurse at McKellar General Hospital; La Verendry Hospital, Fort Frances; St. Joseph's Hospital and several homes for the aged.

Along with Bob, she enjoyed bowling, family vacations and gardening. She loved tending their flowers and vegetables and took pride in the beauty and nourishment the fruits of her labour provided us. She loved the peace and tranquility of the outdoors, quiet walks and sitting at the lake, the sun on her face and the wind in her hair. But she was happiest spending quality time with her husband and children while hosting her famous Sunday suppers, lovingly selecting the perfect recipes. She took pride in knowing that we cherished the special time together as much as she did. She showered her family with unconditional love, and always put others before herself.

Over the past several years, Aila has worked diligently alongside her son, Marc and husband Bob to promote awareness of Multiple Sclerosis through fundraising events such as the annual 12-hour Boxing Relay and MS Walk and was honoured to serve as MS Mother of the Year.

She was a beautiful, kind and compassionate person, soft around the edges yet cloaked in a quiet strength and dignity that will continue to inspire her family.

Aila leaves to mourn her devoted husband, Bob and her loving children Liisa and Marc (Cryssi). She will be sadly missed by brother Arnold Alanen (Jackie) and sisters Aileen Alanen and Annette Graham (Earle); niece Janet Trichilo (John) and children, Barrie, ON; nephew Jeffrey Graham (Jackie) and family; nephew Robert Graham (Tracy) and family; nephew Keith Graham and other relatives in Thunder Bay. The fur babies she loved are also missing her.

She was predeceased by her parents Miriam and Weikko Alanen and parents in-law Aileen and Henry Larocque.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Laferrier and staff at the Cancer Centre and the caring nurses and staff of the Oncology unit of TBRHSC for your guidance and compassionate treatment of Aila. Our gratitude to those who have called, visited, sent food, cards and messages of your memories and love of Aila. She would be humbled to know that she has touched the lives of so many people.

In keeping with Aila’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in her honour this summer at Arrow lake. Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma in care of arrangements.

If friends wish, a donation and Aila’s name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Thunder Bay Chapter would be sincerely appreciated, but please feel free to honour our beloved Aila in your own special way.

“Family is not an important thing, it's everything.”
-Michael J. Fox