Obituary of Ritva Anneli "Ann" Sopuch

It is with great sadness that the family of Ritva “Ann” Anneli Sopuch (née Vanhanen) announce her peaceful passing on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the age of 87.

Ritva was born in Sakkola, Finland on December 23, 1935 and immigrated to Toronto in 1953 with her parents and three siblings. She later met the love of her life and best friend, Paul Sopuch. They married in 1958 and resided in Bradford, Ontario where she raised their three children and was active on the family’s commercial vegetable farm.

Ritva was a devoted wife and mother as well as an engaged member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where she served many years as the church organist. Ritva was a woman of many passions including, baking, gardening, knitting, making preserves, helping others, and later in life her grandchildren. She also loved travelling with Paul to see many parts of the world.

She will be missed by her husband of 65 years, Paul; children David (Angelica), Daniel (Zenia), Karen (Terry) Makedon; grandchildren Max; Christopher, Nicholas; Jimmy; siblings Marja (Peter) Schaper, Paul (Sandy) Vanhanen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends. Ritva was predeceased by her parents, Vaino and Jenny Vanhanen; and sister Helka Jokinen.

A visitation will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, 30 Simcoe Road, Bradford on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 5-8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11 a.m.

Interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.

In Ritva’s memory, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.