Ila Toivonen

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. 

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