On Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Laina Pauliina (Kopola) Knowles passed away peacefully at the Ashcroft Hospital.

Laina was born in Haapajarvi, Finland on October 12, 1923 and immigrated to Canada in 1928 where she joined her parents in Kimberly, BC. Laina had a zest for life, and after meeting the love of her life "Tom" in Hedley, BC, Laina enjoyed traveling and living extensively from Nicaragua, Peru to South Korea. Passions in life included Curling Bonspiels, Gardening Tupperwaring, RVing, and Quilting.

Laina is survived by her loving family her spouse of 67 years "Tom" Knowles, sons Grant (Shirley) and John Knowles. She also leaves her brother Ken Kopola, and her grandchildren Tanya (Ryan), Cameron (Selina), Shauna (Lee), Robert, David (Amber), and great grandchildren David and Nicolas as well as her daughter-in-laws Sandra Knowles and Phyllis (Graham and grandson Adam) Rainey and many nieces and nephews.
Laina is predeceased by her son Robert Knowles and her brother Fred Kopola.

A Celebration of Life Service for Laina will be held on Friday, March 19th, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at the Thompson Valley Funeral Home, 100 Hwy 97C, Ashcroft with Rev. Los Petty officiating.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Laina may be made to the Family Friends Society, Box 773, Ashcroft, BC, V0K 1A0.

Thompson Valley Funeral Home
250-453-9802