Lehtela, Tuula Anneli (née Porkola)

March 3, 1964 — August 13, 2024

 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Tuula, our beloved mother, sister, wife, Godmother, and friend. Born in Finland, and emigrated to Canada, where she built a home and raised a family. She embraced the beauty of nature and the warmth of a good conversation — especially ones over the phone.

Tuula brought laughter and joy to everyone in her life. We hear the echo’s of her encouragement to take a five steam sauna and then go screaming to the lake to cool off. She was an accomplished pickerel fisher and enjoyed a good fish fry with some good folks around. She was happiest surrounded by friends and family in serene wilderness.

Tuula leaves us grieving her far too early in life. She leaves behind her husband John, her three sons and their significant others, namely Eric and Erika (Atticus and Max), Matti and Shawn, Kyle and Danielle. Her sister Marja and husband Darwin, brothers Mike and wife Julie, and Mark. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law Eleanor (Alain), Marianne (Valdis), and Elaine (Rob), as well as many nieces and nephews along with their partners and families: Melina and Randy (Lucas, Kadence and Tatianna), Amanda (Tenley), Brett and Alice, Aela, Lanig and Maela, Ellen and Jon, Sam and Ashley (Victor and Olivia), Wolfgang (Saul and Seth), Karl and Nykole, and Amy and Ata. She was predeceased by her parents Veikko and Sirkka, and her mother-in-law Ellen. There were also close friends who stood by her through all that life brings. Sirkka and Faith were there when she needed them most. We also thank Ashley from Bayshore who offered real companionship through hard moments, and to the hospice team at Maison McCulloch for their care.

She is remembered fondly by both staff and customers from her time at the Royal Bank in Sudbury. Her office was always a hub for staff to gather. She also developed and maintained strong customer bonds over the thirty plus years she was there.

We will miss the smell of a fresh spaghetti sauce simmering on the stovetop or a new cake recipe coming out of the oven on rainy Sundays. We will miss the nightly telephone calls asking “what did you have for dinner?”. We will miss you, Tuula. Your devotion to family and friends leaves us with a gap that will be difficult to replace. To leave a legacy of happiness, kindness and a passion for life is more than we can all hope for.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Maison McCulloch Hospice https://maisonsudburyhospice.org/ are greatly appreciated. A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Northern Water Sports Centre Hall, 206 Ramsey Lake Rd, Greater Sudbury.