On 26 July 2023, Ila Pauline Toivonen was peacefully
called away to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at the
age of 92.
Ila (nee Measures) was born in Pickardville,
Alberta on 16 May 1931.
As a child in 1942 her family moved from Pickardville
to homestead a farm near Manola along the Pembina
River. She married her husband Veikko (Erik) Toivonen on
29 September 1954 after a three month engagement. They
moved to Barrhead after marrying and eventually to a rural
acreage outside of Barrhead in 1988. They stayed on their
dream property until 2006 then moved to a quiet house
on the edge of Barrhead. After her husband Erik’s death
in 2019, she stayed at their home for half a year then moved
to a smaller apartment in town.
Ila loved her home around Barrhead and her family greatly.
She will always be remembered for her lively, loving, and
smiling demeanor. She had an unparalleled love of birding,
gardening and growing things as well as being an excellent
cook. She was an active sportswoman loving golf, skiing and
bowling. She won the Barrhead Ladies Golf Championship
three times and the Westlock Ladies Golf Championship
once. As well she was very musically inclined; playing the
piano, accordion, guitar and had a beautiful singing voice,
taking part in the church choir for years.
Ila’s Christian faith was an integral part of her life and she
faithfully practiced it daily. She was a devout Lutheran
woman and strived to walk with Jesus.
Most importantly Ila will be remembered for her undying love
of Erik, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Veikko (Erik),
her son Tyrone, father Tom, mother Elsie, father-in-law
Paavo, mother-in-law Ida, brothers Henry, Harry, Roy, Reg,
Clark, Glen, Charlie and sisters Sylvie, Mary, and Agnes;
brother-in-law Antti and sister-in-law Marja-Leena. Ila is
survived by her son Jeff, beloved daughter-in-law Daren,
grandchildren Anders (Gabrielle), Kristian (Katie), Stefan, Katja
(Nick), Ryan, Robert (Nita), Anthony, Illie, and Jennifer; great
grandchildren Maija, Emmie, Isaac and numerous others;
brother John; and sisters-in-law Elsie and Florette.
The family sincerely thanks all of those who helped care
for mom in her later years, specifically Lorna, Darlene, and
Hennie. We are especially grateful for the compassionate
care given by Dr. Len Krantz and Dr. Jeff Hankinson.
Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at
the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Barrhead Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to AHS
Barrhead Health Care Centre or to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family
by visiting www.westlockfuneralhome.com
