Florence (Flo) Kiiskila’s family is heartbroken after her passing on Dec. 17, 2025 at Southbridge
Roseview, Thunder Bay. Flo lived a full life devoted to her faith, family, and community.
Born Nov. 9, 1929 in Sudbury, Flo went to school there, played sports, and took piano lessons. She had short stints working for CN Telegraph, CP Freight and Imperial Oil. In 1948 she met Ray-her soulmate-and they married in 1953 at St. John’s Lutheran church.
After moving around a bit, Flo and her family finally settled in Port Arthur in 1974.
That’s where she put down strong roots. She worked various jobs at Sears until retiring in
1988. A longtime member of Epiphany Lutheran church before switching to Hilldale Lutheran,
Flo was very involved with LWML while at Epiphany; she played the organ during services,
led several church choirs and also joined the local International Choristers Guild.
In 1993 Flo joined the local Breast Cancer Support Group and helped organize the Luncheons of Hope events. She also volunteered at the 1997 Scout Jamboree held at Boulevard.
Singing was really what Flo loved most; she joined the Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus back in 1976.
She stayed active with them for over four decades and always pitched in for TBSO fundraising efforts.
On her 90 th birthday they honored her dedication to the chorus. Flo also sang with Sing For the Cure,
a breast cancer fundraiser held at St. Paul’s Church.
Flo didn’t have much free time but when she did get some downtime you’d find her camping or fishing with Ray.
She loved being outdoors – walking around nature, sitting comfortably outside or swimming.
Family barbecues and dinners were a big deal too. Life changed a lot after Ray passed away on Dec.
23, 2001 following a long illness; not long after that their pet Muffy died as well.
She was proud of her family and talked about them often. Survived by son Stephen
(Norma) Kiiskila, daughter Judy (Larry) Koss along with grandchildren Andrew, Jennifer,
Angelynn (Jamie) and Natalie (Matt) plus eight great-grandchildren.
Predeceased by parents Thomas and Florence Wilkes,
brother Albert Wilkes and sister Miriam Olexy.
The family wants to thank everyone who supported Flo through all parts of her life journey.
There are many special people who made things better for her and gave care that meant so much.
Cremation has already taken place with a memorial planned for Friday January 16, 2026 at
1:00 p. m., Hilldale Lutheran Church. A private family burial will happen later on.
Instead of flowers donations may be made to any charity close to your heart.
EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, located at 299 Waverley Street near Algoma is handling arrangements.
Please leave your condolences online at everestofthunderbay. com.
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