Date of Birth: July 20, 1924
Date of Death: December 24, 2014
Edla Makela, aged 90 years, died after a short period of illness on December 24, 2014 at the Broadview Union Hospital, Broadview, SK.
Edla was born on July 20, 1924 in New Finland, SK to Tyyne and Arvo Kiviharju. In 1944 she married Walter Makela and together they raised five daughters. They had a mixed farming operation in New Finland for 41years. During those years, Edla also worked at the Esterhazy nursing home for five years. At age 55, Edla took her training as a special care aid and received top honours in her class. When Walter retired in 1985, they moved to Whitewood where Edla lived for the rest of her life. She worked for Whitewood Home Care until her retirement at age 64. Edla was exceptional at all types of handiwork especially sewing, knitting and crocheting. She created many fine gifts for family members. Edla was adventuresome and loved to travel. She visited such places as Disneyland, Alaska, Caribbean and Eastern Canada. At age 82 she was able to fulfil a lifelong dream and visit her ancestral home in Finland. Edla is survived by her daughter Lona Rienks (Rienk), daughter Myrina Poncelet (Marc), daughter Irene de Laforest (Laurent), daughter Carol Francis (Leonard), daughter Sheila Halmai (Tom); 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother George Kivi(Velma), brother Everett Kivi, sister-in-law Margaret Kiviharju, sister Doreen Bauer (John Rink) and sister Helen Downs; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Edla was predeceased by her husband Walter Makela; her infant daughter Lorna; her grandson-in-law Ward Sivertson; her parents, three brothers and one sister; and a special friend and sister-in-law, Sylvia Luhtala.
Edla’s funeral service was held Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Finland, SK with the Rev. Wilma Woods officiating. The eulogy was presented by her daughters Irene de Laforest, Myrina Poncelet and Carol Francis, and scripture was read by granddaughter
Carrie Belter. The organist, Jean Dancsok, led in the hymns “In the Garden”, “When Peace Like a River”, “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace”. Edla’s grandson, Greg Poncelet, was the urn bearer and honorary bearers were grandchildren Tammy Kidd, Kelly Rienks, Kim Sivertson, Rochelle Audfroid, Carrie Belter, Chris de Laforest, Chelsea de Laforest, Jody Francis, Jackie Reid, Nigel
Francis, Dana Francis, Devin Teichroeb, Natasha Halmai, Mariah Halmai and Brandon Halmai. Interment followed in the Whitewood Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Whitewood.
