Tuula Helena 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.