Mrs. Anna-Maria “Maija, Mary” Isotalo, age 98 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 16, 2012 in Bethammi Nursing Home.

Maija was born on August 7, 1913 in Lapua, Finland. She came with her brother to Canada in 1930, settling in Port Arthur. She first worked privately as a maid, and it was here that the Lady of the house taught her to speak English. She was employed at the Prince Arthur Hotel and then Canada Car during World War II. She retired in 1976 from the Paramount Theatre after 29 years of dedicated service.

December 6, 1941 Maija married the love of her life, Toivo. They built their family home on Secord Street, and she remained there until 2006. Maija had a very strong faith and she was very active with the Independent Finnish Lutheran Church.

Maija is survived by her step-daughter Kirsti Nurmela in Finland; nieces Aila Kotala in Finland, Irene Dack, Shirley Hacquoil and Violet Isotalo; nephews Walter, Marty and William Isotalo and special friends Margot Martola and Pirkko Hynna. Other relatives also survive in Canada and Finland.

She was predeceased by her husband Toivo (1999), her parents and five brothers in Finland.

Funeral services for the late Mrs. Anna-Maria Isotalo will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Hilldale Lutheran Church or the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM).