Lang, Sanni

In loving memory of our beautiful Mummo, Sanni Lång (nee Pilbacka), departed peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the age of 96 in Sudbury.  Beloved wife of John Lång (predeceased 1998) welcoming her with open arms and red roses for eternity. Loving mother to Marjatta (Jack), Eric, predeceased 2004, Arvo (Wendy) and Anne-Liisa (Ian).  Cherished Mummo to Kristopher (Jo-Anne), Charles (Chera), Kristina, Stefanie (Darryl), Ashleigh (Justin), Derek and Avery (Andrew). Precious great-grandmother to William, Isaac, Henry, Clara, Davis, Marcus, Ava, Jett and Lexington. Devoted sister to Uuno, Helvi, Reino, Aune and Eeva, all predeceased.  Lovingly remembered by extended family in Canada and Finland.  Born May 4, 1928, Sanni spent her youth in Vimpeli, Finland and often shared stories of going into the woods to daydream for hours when not doing chores or attending to family responsibilities.  In her adult years, Sanni met and fell in love with John and, searching for a better life for their growing family, they moved to Sudbury from Kokkola, Finland and settled in Long Lake.  While John worked at Inco, Sanni worked down the road from their home at Villa Loyola until retirement.  It was on Long Lake that Sanni would raise her family and prepare the tastiest of foods, knit the coziest of sweaters, hats, mittens and socks, and wove textiles to her heart’s content.  She enjoyed sauna, swimming, picking blueberries, boat rides on Pappa’s pontoon boat, and was known for her proclivity to fast driving and heavy foot. She often shared her gift of hosting with family and friends at Rauhala Island, the family camp.  Sanni attended St. Matthew’s Church and Hannah Lake Bible Centre and devoted her time in retirement to volunteering and fundraisers for the greater Finnish community.  Expert pulla-maker, master crafter and published poet, Sanni loved music, dancing, and her family above all.  She will be remembered for the sparkle in her eyes, her gentle heart and bright spirit, and a smile that could heal the world. Her poetry is penned indelibly in our hearts and minds, and she leaves us with many extraordinary teachings including, “Kun me menetämme rakkaamme, Jumala antaa tilalle jotakin, joka helpottaa suruamme ja kaipaustamme.”  We will miss you, Äiti and Mummo.

The family wishes to thank staff, nurses and doctors at Health Sciences North for their care, and Finlandia Koti and Hoivakoti for their support and compassion over the years.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral.