Avis de décès : Mme Elsie Ruoho (Baxter - St. Amand) (1936- - 2014-05-03)

With heavy hearts the family of Elsie Marianne St. Amand, age 78 years of Thunder Bay announce her passing after a brief illness on Saturday, May 3, 2014. Elsie was born in Port Arthur, Ontario to Frank & Inez Ruoho, and raised in Nipigon, Ontario. She was a beautiful, intelligent, little girl that was the apple of her parent's eyes. As a child she had an exceptionally close relationship with her Grandfather, Charles Wink. Mom often said he spoiled her rotten. Elsie attended King's Business College in Port Arthur in 1953 where she met her first husband Paul Baxter (Margaret). They settled in Nipigon, and welcomed 6 children. When her youngest child was attending school full-time, Elsie entered the workforce and became the secretary at St. Edward's School, a position she held until she moved to Thunder Bay in 1983. In 1988 she married her second husband, Paul St. Amand. Together they enjoyed travelling and spending time with family and friends. Their frequent winter get-a-ways to Las Vegas were always fondly remembered, as were their more recent trips to Hinckley. Paul was her best friend. Elsie was a loving mother that always took the time for her children. She loved being a Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. The coffee pot was always on, and cookies and treats were plentiful. Her friends were always welcome, and made to feel at home. Left to survive Elsie is her loving husband Paul of 26 years. Her children; Gordon (Denyse), Michael, Mark (Sara), Melanie Albanese (Domenic), and Colleen Akin (David). Her grandchildren; Bryant Baxter, Nicole Baxter, Nico, Christina & Ally Albanese, Anne & Henry Akin, her great-grandchildren, Chase & Hailey. She will be remembered by her step-children; Tammy Banks (Tom), Debbie St. Amand, Susan St. Amand (Luc Lalande) & son in-law Gary Gammond. Step grandchildren: Paul Banks, Steven & Scott Gammond, Emily & Laura Lalande. Elsie is also survived by her brother Antti (Andy) Ruoho (Joyce) of Vernon, B.C. her dear sister in-law & brother in-law Dennis & Margo Springsteen of Chatham, On., as well many nieces & nephews that will remember Aunt Elsie's gentle way. Predeceased by her parents Frank & Inez Ruoho, her daughter Patricia Lynn, her sister Helmi Lillies & brother in-law Art Lillies, her brothers Vieno & Veikko Ruoho, her step-son Ron St. Amand, her nephew Phil Finlayson, and her dear brother in-law & sister in-law Benny & Yvette Boucher. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, with Rev. Allan Lapay of Corpus Christi Church presiding, Inurnment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation - Stroke Program. www.tbrhsc.net/clinical_partners/regional_stroke_program.asp Condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.