It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Miriam Koivisto at the age of 90 at the Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Center with family at her side on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 just 3 days after being diagnosed with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Martin, and 3 sons: Ray, Kari (Melody)and Henry. Mom is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Karla (Colin) Hoffman, Ryan (Kenia) Koivisto, Kazia (Darin)Waugh, Reagan Koivisto, and Matthew (Christine) and Steven (Janna) Koivisto; and 8 great grandchildren: Dylan and Marshall Hoffman, Gabe and Layne Waugh, Olivea and Maycee Koivisto, and Benjamin and Oliver Koivisto.

Mom and pop and Ray emigrated from Finland in 1951 where pop went to work for the CNR in Winnipeg. After a short time there they transferred to Vancouver where Kari was born in 1953 while pop worked at Hell’s Gate. In 1954 they transferred to Ashcroft where Henry was born in 1960. In 1956 pop went to work for John Bundas as a blacksmith and welder while mom was busy at home with us boys. In 1963 mom partnered with pop in starting Cariboo Esso Service in Ashcroft which eventually became Ashcroft Motors, a GM dealership, where mom was the bookkeeper for the family business. They sold the business in 1978 and retired and enjoyed a life of fishing, camping and trips to Reno. In 1980 they moved to Kamloops where she helped to build their house in Westsyde. In 1989 they moved to Chase where she helped to build their house on Elm St. In Chase she enjoyed gardening and fishing (where she won many fishing trophies at derbies) and playing crib and bingo with her friends.

On April 4, 2017 they moved to the Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Center where Pop still lives and appreciates all visitors.

We wish to thank Nurse Marnie and Dr. Baughan at RIH for their exceptional care and for all the staff at Gemstone for their loving care of mom. Mom requested that there be no service for her. Alternatives Funeral Services are in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at www.myalternatives.ca

• Date : 2017-08-08
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.