Obituary of Aino Kempmann

Aino Kempmann (nee Räsänen) Passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital on May 4th, 2020 at the age of 88. Aino was born on August 14th, 1931 in Tuusniemi, Finland. Beloved wife of Johannes Kempmann for over 61 years, cherished mother of Harry (Monica) and Ellen (Steve). Fun-loving "Mummo" to Alex. Also survived by her brother Antti (Kirsti) and many nephews, nieces and cousins in Canada, Finland and Estonia. Predeceased by her son Paul.Aino was a good student as a child and had been accepted to secondary school, but had to leave school early when her father died when she was 12. She knew as a young woman that she wanted to leave rural Finland and was inspired to see the other side of the world, and so she came to Toronto in 1953. She worked as a maid and went to night school to learn English. She met her future husband, Johannes Kempmann, at a Finnish Social Club dance, and the couple married in 1958. They had two sons, and later a daughter. Aino mainly stayed at home while her children were growing up, and later went to work in the laundry at Ehatare Retirement Home, where she worked part-time for 16 years and made many friends. Aino loved cooking and gardening, and her green thumb could make anything grow. She loved the outdoors in general, including visiting friends at cottages in the summer, picnics, camping, skiing and swimming. She loved her grandson, Alex, and always wanted him to share his interests with her, whether it was whales, dinosaurs, Talking Tom or acting. Aino and Johannes also enjoyed traveling, and took many family trips including to Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Cuba, Nova Scotia, and California. Aino learned to use technology to communicate later in life. In her last few weeks, she loved the many video chats she had with friends and family in Canada, Finland and Estonia. She amazed many people with her resiliency and Sisu. Aino died after a long struggle against heart disease and kidney failure, which she fought to the end. Her smile, warmth and optimism will be forever missed.In lieu of flowers, donations to the Schulich Heart Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital are appreciated. A private graveside service will be held, with a Celebration of Life at a later date when it is safe for us to be together.