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Tuula Helena Stovin

February 26, 2014

Tuula Stovin

“I also learned things from your mom: be bold; be outspoken; stand your ground on your beliefs; and, I think most importantly, don't be defined by circumstances in your life but be defined by your personality.” 

On February, 26, 2014, Tuula Stovin (Niemela) of Regina passed away quietly and peacefully. Her life was rarely quiet, seldom dull. It was filled with challenges, exploration and achievement.  Her life journey began in Oulu, Finland.  She was a young child when she, her older brother and parents immigrated to Canada where they settled in Winnipeg. There, she attended school, spending summers at the family cabin in the Lac du Bonnet region of Manitoba learning the skills of target shooting and carpentry, and the joys of saunas and skinny dipping. A graduate of Teachers College, Tuula taught emotionally and socially challenged students for a few years.  She had a gift for connecting with her young learners.

In Winnipeg Tuula met her life partner, Bill Stovin.  They married, moved to Saskatoon where she devoted her life to a new beginning; to building a family and raising two beautiful children Corey and Hayley; and much later, to doting on her much-beloved grandson Sebastian. She loved her family dearly and unconditionally.

Along the way the household was joined by numerous dogs, a guinea pig, and a budgie that learned how to talk through Tuula’s direction. Her lifelong compassion and love for animals extended to her support of rescue centres including The Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee.

Cooking was not her passion but she could whip up a Black Forest cake or other delicacy at a moment’s notice.  She was a problem-solver, could fix small appliances, had a sharp eye for interior design and landscaping, and could sew a three-piece suit, children’s clothes and memorable costumes for special occasions.

She loved reading and the pursuit of knowledge. Her favourite question was ‘why’? Often followed by ‘why not’?  Tuula was an independent, critical thinker who spoke her mind, and confronted significant health issues in her life with courage and tenacity. She did not complain about those issues but was quick to challenge unprofessionalism and bureaucracy. A patient at the Renal Clinic at Regina General Hospital for several years, she was not intimidated by the system and was seen as an advocate for patients. Nurses appreciated her candour, humour and strength of spirit.

She could disarm strangers with her openness, her laugh and her trenchant observations. In the last days of her life she continued to wisecrack with medical staff about her condition.  Tuula was an amazing, unique woman of considerable strength.

Tuula is survived by her husband, Bill; their children Corey and Hayley Stovin, both of Vancouver, B.C. and grandson Sebastian; her best friend Carol Waelz and numerous members of the Stovin and Niemela extended families.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at the Coronary Care unit, and especially the nurses and support staff at the Renal Clinic for their caring and kindness over the years.  They were Tuula’s second family.

There will be no funeral service.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that people donate to the Regina Humane Society or the Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee.

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Messages of Condolence

We are saddened to hear of your loss. May your memories help you through this time of sadness. ~ Judy and Rick Runge

We are very sorry to learn of Tuula's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. ~ Karen and Fran Rust

So very sorry. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and in our hearts. ~ Vesti Hanson

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Bill. Please know that my thoughts are with you and you are never far from my heart. ~ Tracy Jordison

Bill, my deepest condolences for you and your children for your loss of a wonderful and gifted woman. So very, very sorry. ~ Janet Campbell

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Tuula. Hold tight to the memories for comfort, lean on family & friends for strength in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. ~ Lisamarie and Chris Schultz

Dear Bill, We grieve with you on the loss of Tuula. Tuula was a strong independent woman who had an adundance of skills and talents. You and your family will have a wealth of memories to draw on as you journey through your grief. Our thoughts are with you at this time. ~ Pat and Trent Cooley

Bill, very sorry to hear about this terrible loss. Many many hugs. ~ Al Hingston

Bill-My deepest condolences go out to you and your family in this time of loss. Tuula was a very special person and her many gifts and talents will not be forgotten by those who knew her and loved her. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family and may God's love surround you during this troubled time. ~ Molly Hegan

Dear Bill, All love and deepest sympathies to you and your family from me and mine. Kelley Jo Burke ~ Kelley Jo Burke

Dear Bill, Corey, Hayley and Sebastian, Tuula was my best friend and I will miss her forever. Our friends are like angels, Who brighten our days, In all kinds of wonderful magical ways. Our friends are like angels, Without any wings. Blessing our lives, With the most precious things. Love Carol ~ Carol Waelz

My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. ~ Dale Johnson

I was very sorry to hear of Tuula`s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. ~ Kathryn Campbell

Bill, I am very saddened to hear of your loss; my sincere condolence to you and your family. ~ Del Simon

Dearest Bill and family, I am sorry to hear of Tuula's passing. I am inspired to read about her life - her critical thinking and her tenacity - a fitting, admired and beloved partner. Judy Fantham ~ Judy Fantham

May you find strength together through this sad time. Our sincere condolences, Joan and Ed. ~ Joan Beisel

Bill, Tuula led a life filled with many accomplishments. It was nice to see that her compassion for critters could extend from guinea pigs to elephants and that she was regarded as an advocate for renal patients. Please accept my condolences. ~ Eric Forbes

We are extremely sorry to learn of your loss, Bill. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Shann & Linda Wahl

Bill, what a beautiful tribute to Tuula and a life well lived. My thoughts are with you and your family in these difficult days. ~ David Kyle

Hi Bill. So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking about you. ~ Colin Grewar

Bill, so sorry to hear of your loss. Tuula sounded like a firecracker - too bad I never met her. Thinking of you, All the best Pam ~ Pam Murray

I remember so well when Tuula came to live at our home for a short period of time prior to finding her own apartment on River Avenue. I was always thrilled to receive her hand-me-down clothing as she had a great sense of style. Tuula often visited our cottage in Pointe du Bois. Hours were spent going back and forth from the sauna into the cold Winnipeg River. I keep those memories close to my heart. The world has lost someone very special. Kindly accept my sincerest condolences. ~ June Repo

Bill, unfortunately this is quite late but as you know, Jennette and I have been out of the country and I haven't been checking emails. I was so sorry to hear of Tuula's passing. It must have been quite sudden, as it was only a few days before we left that I was inquiring as to how she was doing. I know these last few years have been quite difficult for you and the family and I hope you, Corey, and Hayley and Sebastian are coping as well as you can. It will be a void in all your lives for sure. It is so difficult when you lose a mate, a friend, and a parent. We'll be thinking of you. Evan and Jennette ~ Evan Purchase

Dear Bill, I don't expect you to remember me, we met when Tuula was active in Regina Newcomers. I remember her smile. It has been a long time since Tuula and I were in touch but I remember her fondly and wanted to let you know she touched many lives. I offer my deepest condolences. ~ Betty Eskdale

Dear Bill: Tina and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. ~ Dan Karpenchuk

Dear Bill and family, I am so sorry to hear of Tuula`s passing. We had a good time together when we lived in Regina. I think of her often and know she is in peace now. Her Estonian friend....Maria ~ Maria Clemett