Obituary for Raili Margaret MacVittie
Raili was born to Ivar and Siiri Uusitalo on August 10, 1936, and passed onto her heavenly journey at the age of 86 on April 3, 2023 at Pioneer Ridge in Thunder Bay. She was predeceased by her loving husband Bill (1997), son Brent (2018) and her brother David (1992). Mom said God provided a plan for her in early life, expressed through the confidence & independence from home ownership, the employment as a result of her secretarial diploma from P.A.T.S. (Hillcrest), the faith & support from the church family, and the love from in-laws Les & Mabel Kirby, all while raising 4 wonderful children.
If you knew Raili, she would tell you the story on how she met and married the love of her life Bill MacVittie in Dec '69 sharing similarities in cars, work, and ages of their collective 8 children. As a couple they welcomed their youngest son in '72.
With Bill by her side, it was important to give their kids opportunities like swimming at the YMCA, camp at Hawkeye, skiing at Mt Baldy and help with their education. While it was a busy household, as a couple they were smart to keep all those "14 kids" playing down in the Rec room. Raili and Bill enjoyed parties with friends throughout the years, and especially at Christmas or Anniversaries, along with their guitar sing songs, card games, and frequent winter getaways to Florida. Her pride of family shined through special moments such as welcoming grandchildren, going to weddings, holding family reunions, or visiting in Boston, T.O. or out West. She would be sure to tell you how lucky she was to have her beautiful family.
If you knew Raili you would feel her kind heart, giving nature, and love of being helpful to others. Christian service was part of mom's everyday life working with Dorcas Society, Christian Women's Missionary League, singing in the Church Choir, volunteering at the Current River Food Cupboard or organizing numerous Tea events. She also took pride in the College courses she completed and the many travel adventures she went on which included trips to the Holy Land, Finland, New York, and Paris - just to name a few.
She is survived by her loving family of MacVittie's, Steve (Liz), Greg, Mark, Lori (Dan), Leeann (Mark), and Kirby's Kevin (Cindy), Kelly, Susan (Chris) along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring staff of Pioneer Ridge for all of the amazing care and support they provided to mom.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 330 Morse St. with Pastor Steve Bartlett officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so at the Sargent and Son Facebook page. If friends so desire donations can be provided to Epiphany Lutheran Church or the Current River Food Cupboard in Raili's memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
If you knew Raili, she would tell you the story on how she met and married the love of her life Bill MacVittie in Dec '69 sharing similarities in cars, work, and ages of their collective 8 children. As a couple they welcomed their youngest son in '72.
With Bill by her side, it was important to give their kids opportunities like swimming at the YMCA, camp at Hawkeye, skiing at Mt Baldy and help with their education. While it was a busy household, as a couple they were smart to keep all those "14 kids" playing down in the Rec room. Raili and Bill enjoyed parties with friends throughout the years, and especially at Christmas or Anniversaries, along with their guitar sing songs, card games, and frequent winter getaways to Florida. Her pride of family shined through special moments such as welcoming grandchildren, going to weddings, holding family reunions, or visiting in Boston, T.O. or out West. She would be sure to tell you how lucky she was to have her beautiful family.
If you knew Raili you would feel her kind heart, giving nature, and love of being helpful to others. Christian service was part of mom's everyday life working with Dorcas Society, Christian Women's Missionary League, singing in the Church Choir, volunteering at the Current River Food Cupboard or organizing numerous Tea events. She also took pride in the College courses she completed and the many travel adventures she went on which included trips to the Holy Land, Finland, New York, and Paris - just to name a few.
She is survived by her loving family of MacVittie's, Steve (Liz), Greg, Mark, Lori (Dan), Leeann (Mark), and Kirby's Kevin (Cindy), Kelly, Susan (Chris) along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring staff of Pioneer Ridge for all of the amazing care and support they provided to mom.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 330 Morse St. with Pastor Steve Bartlett officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so at the Sargent and Son Facebook page. If friends so desire donations can be provided to Epiphany Lutheran Church or the Current River Food Cupboard in Raili's memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.