Laila Dumoulin (nee Niemi)
April 14, 1954 – January 7, 2024
On the morning of January 7, 2024, Laila Arlene Dumoulin passed away peacefully at Hogarth Riverview Manor in Thunder Bay, Ontario, at the age of 69.
The first born child of Kaarlo and Irene Niemi, Laila was raised along with her siblings in the small northern town of Geraldton, Ontario. Her father was a hard working and multi talented man who loved to work with his hands and taught her his love of woodworking and gardening. Her mother, a children’s clothing store owner and homemaker taught her the traditions of Finnish baking, sewing and knitting.
Married in 1982 to Marcel, their early life saw them relocating throughout Northern Ontario as Marcel’s construction projects grew. As the children also grew, they decided to settle their blended family in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. A homemaker, she tended to their children by day, later attending night school to upgrade, and soon after began working with the Ontario Public Health Laboratory. Fiercely independent, she balanced her work and home life.
Throughout the years, Laila and Marcel enjoyed many homes which grew in warmth and size. A welcoming atmosphere to the friends of her children who quickly regarded it as a second home. She truly loved a full house and hosting their expanding family during holidays. As her children became older and spent more time out of the home she could be found in her beloved craft room which evolved from a painting studio to a stained glass workshop, a sewing room to a quilt shop. She was always making gifts for others. When not in her craft room, she was outside tending to her always impressive flower beds, in the garage using, and not returning, Marcel’s tools to the proper place, or in the kitchen whipping up treats to satisfy her sweet tooth. Laila’s hands were always the best sign of her most current creative outlet and strong work ethic. Fingers with flecks of colorful paint atop them, a bandage around them, or fresh earth beneath them. She was a true artist whose creations were a reflection of the love and beauty she had to share and a welcome break from being a strong wife and mother.
Retiring in 2016, Laila moved to Sudbury, Ontario where she continued to focus on family after her son-in-law's Cancer diagnosis. Helping to raise her two young grandsons in his passing, she once again found herself doing the things she loved most, passing down traditions and finding time in her new craft room. In 2020 her strength would be called on again when receiving her own Cancer diagnosis. Her confidence and positive attitude continued to shine as she completed many treatments alone as a result of the pandemic. Surpassing the 3-5 month prognosis by nearly 3 years, the strength that others respected her for was exemplified.
On behalf of her family, we extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor for the kindness and compassion we witnessed in your gentle humor to make mom smile and your thoughtfulness in gifting her items that made her feel loved.
Survived by her husband, Marcel; their children, Debb (Luc) Charron, Marci (Robin) Guerin, Darcy (Stefanie) Dumoulin, Trisha (Paul) Bertoni, Lisa (James) Seguin, Jennifer (d. Shawn) Godin; grandchildren, Melanie, Philip, Kayli, Brianna, Hayley, Michealla, Cameron, Rhian, Jaxson, and Jace; siblings, Karen, Arnold (Lisa) and Elizabeth Niemi, and nephews, Christopher and Shelby (Amanda) Niemi.
Laila will be missed by many who thought so fondly of her.
As per Laila’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment will be held in Geraldton where she will be laid to rest with her parents. A celebration of life for family and friends will follow at a future date in Thunder Bay.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.
Should you wish to share messages about your favorite memory and/or photos, the family of Laila would greatly appreciate your contribution for her tribute and can be shared via email to [email protected]
Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street, Thunder Bay.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com