Tribute

After a long and exemplary life, Paula Pera passed away on January 24, 2023 with her
daughters by her side and in the natural way that she had wanted.

Mom was born Paula Kerttu Lindberg in Enso, Finland on March 17th, 1930 to
Aili and Arne Lindberg, the middle of 3 girls. The family endured WWII and settled in
Lahti as their home was now part of Russia. She met and then married Paul (Paavo) Pera
in December, 1950. In April 1953, they immigrated to northern Vancouver Island and
welcomed their first child, a few months later. They would have 3 more children at the
hospital in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. They lived in a small logging camp called
Kokish, near Beaver Cove, Vancouver Island. Mom told stories of going to the hospital
on a speedboat to have her children and although this camp was isolated, the family
enjoyed a wonderful sense of community.

Once all the children were born, they decided to move south on the island, spending one
year in Nanaimo and then settling in the Cowichan Valley. Paula would go to work at
Somenos Lake Farm and The Doghouse, as well as raising her family, growing a large
garden, sewing, needlework, many pets and farm animals. Mom provided a warm home,
welcoming friends and family with wonderful food and hospitality.

As the boys grew and left home, they decided to move to Victoria where the girls would
finish high school. Mom worked at Coffee Mac’s as their baker extraordinaire, cleaned
offices and then found employment at the Beehive Wool Shop which was really one of
her favourite environments.

The next move brought them to Abbotsford where they enjoyed helping with
grandchildren and embarking upon retirement. Mom enjoyed a slightly slower pace (for
Mom) and created beautiful homes and gardens.

In 2001, they returned to the Cowichan
Valley. Paul would pass in 2007 and Paula spent her time with her children,
grandchildren, neighbours and friends. She loved her little home doing her crafts,
gardening, baking and enjoying her pets.

Paula is predeceased by her husband, Paul (2007), and son Allan (2021). She is survived
by Timo(Carolyn), Laila, Lisa. Grandchildren, Krista (Oliver), Alix, Paul, Elena, great
grandchildren, Joey and Benjamin.

We will be having a gathering to celebrate Mom and all of the family in March. Details
to be announced.

Sisu is a Finnish word that means, at it’s core, determination. If there is a word that
crosses Sisu with grace, that would be our Mom.

Rest in well deserved peace, Mummo.