Aila Riikonen, Sudbury resident and immigrant from Finland, dies at 93

Aila Tuulikki Riikonen died on January 6, 2026, at Health Sciences North after a brief illness; she was 93 and immigrated from Oulu, Finland in 1960.

Aila Tuulikki Riikonen died on January 6, 2026, at Health Sciences North after a brief illness; she was 93. Born in Oulu, Finland, she immigrated to Canada with her husband Esko and two young children in 1960 and the family settled in Sudbury, where their third child was born. She was known for baking pulla, knitting, gardening and a love of reading. Details: - Date and place of death: January 6, 2026, at Health Sciences North; age 93. - Origin and immigration: Born in Oulu, Finland; immigrated to Canada in 1960 and settled in Sudbury. - Family: Predeceased by husband Esko and several siblings; survived by her children Merja, Risto (Geralynn) and Kathy Higgins (Mark), grandchildren, brother Osmo and extended family in Finland. - Arrangements and acknowledgments: A private family service will be held at a later date; the family thanked staff of the North Tower, fourth floor, at Health Sciences North and noted donations may be made to the HSN Foundation in her memory. Summary: The family announced Aila Riikonen's passing and expressed thanks for care received at Health Sciences North. A private family service is planned for a later date and donations in her memory were directed to the HSN Foundation.