Pirkko I. Keskinen

April 21, 1935 - May 12, 2020

Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

PIRKKO IRMELI KESKINEN
APRIL 21,1935-MAY 12, 2020
On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, Pirkko Irmeli Keskinen (nee: Haanpaa),
passed away peacefully at the age of 85.
Pirkko was born in Finland. She had an interesting life. Pirkko was one of three children born to
Colonel Martti Mathias Haanpaa and his wife Tynne. When WW11 broke out, she was sent to Sweden to live with a Baron and Baroness. Unable to have children of their own, they treated Pirkko like their own daughter. She loved talking about the war years and being treated like a Princess. She had her own cow, horse and numerous pets and friends surrounding her. When the war ended, she returned to her family in Finland. The Baron and Baroness actually asked her mother if they could “keep her”!
Pirkko met the love of her life, Leo Kalevi Keskinen. She married, had two children and the couple moved to Canada. They lived for a while in Quebec and eventually settled in Mississauga, Ontario. Many happy summers were spent at the family cottage on Little Bald Lake in the Kawartha's. Pirkko loved fishing. She would happily take the row boat out and come home with a bass or pickerel. She'd clean and prepare a lovely dinner. Her husband hated fishing and eating fish! Pirkko was known for her love of gardening and embroidery. She had a passion for baking and the wonderful aroma of Finnish sweet breads and coffee cakes always wafted out of the family kitchen. Pirkko was an avid music lover. Nat King Cole was her favourite singer. She would enjoy evenings listening to the “oldies” like Benny Goodman and Dizzy Gillespie with her husband.
Loved by her family and friends and all whose lives she touched, Pirkko will be greatly missed.
Her beloved husband Leo of 62 years passed away in 2017. Pirkko is survived by her son Kai (Jun), daughter Pia (Peter) and grandchildren Irene (Raymond), Samuel (Cassy), David and Mark. Pirkko is also survived by her sister Anneli Lindwall of Turku, Finland.
In light of the Pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. The family wishes to thank all the staff, nurses and health care workers at Owen Hill Care Community in Barrie. Thank you for your continued support and stepping in to comfort Pirkko when her family was unable to be there. Special thanks to Dr. McConvey for providing us with daily updates on Pirkko's condition. The care, compassion and dedication shown was truly above and beyond.  Memorial Donations may be directed to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition Simcoe and condolences may be forwarded through peacefultransition.ca

CONDOLENCES

8 Condolences
  • Alice Duke
    Posted on: Friday, May 15, 2020 Reply

    I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family.

  • Sophia Berezowsky
    Posted on: Friday, May 15, 2020 Reply

    Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Your mother was such a strong woman. I still remember the glass finish candle holders and the cardamom flavoured cookies.

  • Mariann Cosentino
    Posted on: Friday, May 15, 2020 Reply

    Pia, we are so sorry for your loss. Your mom sure had an interesting life. God bless her.

    Mariann Cosentino and Julie Varricchio

  • Mary Ann Chrysdale
    Posted on: Saturday, May 16, 2020 Reply

    So sorry for your loss………..but you have lots of good memories..xoMary Ann

  • David Blankenhorn,jr.
    Posted on: Saturday, May 16, 2020 Reply

    Dave and Diane Blankenhorn wish to relate how sorry they are to hear of the passing. Granddaughter, Irene, is a special addition (spouse Raymond)to our family group, and we are saddened for her loss, and send our sympathies to her and her extended family.

  • Lisa Bayford
    Posted on: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 Reply

    So sorry for your loss Pia. Thinking of you and your family at this time.

  • Pamela Burnside
    Posted on: Thursday, May 28, 2020 Reply

    Pirrko was a unique, interesting, and very caring person. I met Pirrko when I was working with college co-op students. May Pirrko Rest in Peace.

  • Blazenka Jukic
    Posted on: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Reply

    Dear Pia and family, I am sorry to hear this sad news. I will keep you all in my prayers.

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