Mary Hirvonen (nee Auvinen)

We are sad to announce that Mary passed away peacefully on Monday September 9^th at Hillside Village. She was 82 years old.

Mary was born in Juva, Finland on March 12,1942. She had 4 brothers and two sisters. Her sisters died in infancy. As an adult, she went to Sweden where she became a nanny. It was here where she would meet her future husband Unto, as the children in her charge were his nieces. Mary went back to Finland only to have Unto follow her there to win her back.

They were married on September 5,1964 and remained so until Unto’s passing in 2017. She recently commemorated what would have been their 60^th wedding anniversary.

After they were married, they immigrated to Canada, landing at the port in Montreal. From there, they made their way West to Burnaby, BC. Kids came along shortly afterwards. Kai in 1969 and Anne in 1972. They moved around a few times to Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Sorrento and then Unto’s job took them out to Alberta. They moved a few times while in Alberta to Airdrie, Didsbury and back to Calgary. After Unto lost his job in Calgary, due to the poor economy at the time, they moved to Grindrod in 1984. They stayed in the area moving to Mara and Swansea Point.  They finally settled in Salmon Arm.

Mary was a homemaker for most of her adult life. She did some babysitting jobs to earn some extra income.  She was also an avid gardener. Her roses were always so beautiful. Mary was also well known for her cooking. She will always be remembered for her Finnish pancakes. You could also never forget her birthday songs she would sing on your birthday. It was always a highlight of the day

Mary’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought her so much joy. She loved to laugh and love on her family. She was always up for a good time, especially if polka music was playing. She could be the life of the party.

Mary was predeceased by both her parents, Armas and Anna Auvinen, her brother Veikko, and her husband Unto. She leaves behind her two kids Kai (Heather) Hirvonen and Anne (James) Honeyman. Her grandchildren Islie, Madeline, Tia, Michaela, Brenden, Bradley, Cody, and Brooklyn. Her great-grandchildren Trustyn, Trentyn, Hunter, Oaklynn, Kinley, Rylie, and Lainey. Her surviving brothers and their families along with any other family in Finland. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, and friends that loved her.

She is now at peace and with her husband that she has missed so terribly for the past 7 years.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Any donations in Mary’s name can be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Alzheimer’s Society.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: