August 19, 2018
Sadly, Hilkka passed away suddenly but peacefully during her afternoon nap on August 19. She leaves her daughters Dianne (Ed) Slik, of Pitt Meadows and Cheryl (Jim) Place of Ladner along with three grandsons, Corbin, Torin, and William and one granddaughter, Tanis. She also leaves 5 sisters and two brothers along with many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother Tapio in 1972, by first husband Gerald Flury and son Clifford in 1983 and by second husband Jim Bailey in 2001.
Hilkka was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario in 1937 and moved to BC in 1947 with her parents and eight siblings where they worked hard on their daffodil and tulip farm in Bradner. She moved to Terrace with her husband Gerry and three children in January of 1965. She always treasured the 16 years she lived there raising her family, running her "Northern Custom Draperies" business, becoming Girl Guide commissioner, being involved with St. Matthew's Church, and cooking at Camp Caledonia. Most of all she treasured the many close friendships she developed and spending quality time with her family and friends out at their Lakelse Lake cabin. She spent the next 25 years enjoying the ocean breezes, living in Nanoose Bay and Parksville where she was involved with many community groups. She was a long time member of the local rug hooking guild, creating many masterpieces which she shared with all her family. Once her husband Jim passed away she felt the need to be closer to family and moved into Augustine House, Ladner, in 2009. The Ladner grandkids were always "on call" to come "move a box" or take her out shopping and for lunch which she always loved.
Following a stroke in 2016 she moved to Nicola Lodge, a wonderful care facility in Port Coquitlam, close to daughter Dianne and her family. She was in good spirits during most of this later time but was determined to get back on her feet and regain her independence until the day she passed.
Her stories, creativity, generosity, and infectious laughter will be remembered and missed by all of us.