Obituaries

LEPPANEN, Raija

It is with sadness we report of the passing of our sister, Raija T.M. Leppanen in the evening hours of July 30, 2018. She was born in Joensuu, Finland on May 21, 1955 rounding us out to five daughters for our parents with a sixth daughter born years later in Canada. Raija was a year old when our parents immigrated to Northern Ontario, later on to Vancouver, then Calgary and finally Kelowna where Raija lived most of her adult working life. Raija was a loyal and well liked employee at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce downtown branch for many years. Her smiling face and cheerful demeanor was always present to greet clients throughout the day, perhaps even

Condolence Messages

Aug 22, 2018
To Raija's Family

I am truly sorry to hear of Raija's passing. I worked with Raija at the CIBC for five years and I remember her as always smiling and she was beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. The world is a sadder place without her in it. May Taniwa
Aug 16, 2018
Dear Raija's Family

We had so many good and wonderful times together.....a long lost friend. I am sorry for your loss of such an amazing individual. Raija rest in peace, until we meet again.

Cheers my friend

Joanne Ritchie (Jemson/Worden)
Aug 10, 2018
Dear sweet Raija, my heart aches and I am so, so sad to hear of her passing. A beautiful shining star with her amazing smile and kind heart. Hopes, dreams, laughter, tears, we had so my adventures together and so many wonderful memories. Rest in peace my friend.

Our thoughts and condolences to her family during this time of such sorrow.

Angela Teufel and family
Aug 08, 2018
Dear Margaret and Family,

Sorry to hear of Raija's passing. You are all in our thoughts at this sad time.

Hugs, Lynn and Esa
Aug 06, 2018
So sorry to hear of Raija passing. We worked together for many years at CIBC downtown Kelowna. We have many memories of camping, BBQ's in the snow at Big White & doing things together. Rest in peace my friend.

Penny hennig
Aug 05, 2018
Condolences to the Leppanen Family. I had worked with Raija at the CIBC in the early 1980's. So sorry for your loss. She gave me a great idea when saving American change, & have used the idea since. Still think of the idea to this day & glad for the idea. Linda Waege
Aug 02, 2018
Dear Margaret, Maija & Seija, our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beautiful sister. A true beauty, inside & out, lucky me to call her my friend. We had many good times at work & even better times after work!

Love & God Bless, Patti & Sam DiMaria.
Aug 02, 2018
I am so sorry to hear that Raija has passed away. Clearly she was well loved and a joy to all that knew her. I remember her fondly. My thoughts are with her family.

Rest in Peace Raiji.

Christine Clark
Aug 02, 2018
Dear Margaret and family,

So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful woman and will live on in your hearts thru the good memories.

Hugs, Karen Copp
Aug 02, 2018
Raija had that infectious smile that I will always remember.

We shared many fun times at work and after work.

My thoughts are with the family.

Rest in peace Raija.

Joy Russell
Aug 01, 2018
Margaret and family,

My sincere condolences on the loss of your sister.

Gord Hoffman
Aug 01, 2018
To the family, my deepest sympathy. Worked with Raija at the CIBC downtown. We had a lot of great times together at work and after work. Have lots of wonderful memories of time spent together. Rest in peace lovely girl. Lin Moss
Aug 01, 2018
Dearest Raija - my time with you was special when you lived with me plus the times we walked and shared our life. We had many laughs and good times. I am so sorry to hear of your passing but know now that you are at peace. Bless you my friend!

Mary Smith
Aug 01, 2018
Lorne and I are so sad to hear that a dear friend from CIBC has passed. I remember our Friday lunches at Yamas, her love for hiking and the numerous gentlemen that would have loved to have taken her out. She was so beautiful. It was a pleasure to have known her. Thinking of the family.....Regards Liz Smith
Aug 01, 2018
So sorry to hear this. Raija was a well liked, friendly & happy soul. My deepest condolences to the family.

Carol Werger
Aug 01, 2018
So very sad to hear the news. I worked with Raija for many years at CIBC. We had some very good times out and about after work. Raija always made me smile with her funny ways. I have thought of her often and will always miss her sweet smile. My condolences to her family.

xxoo Carla Carmody (Lovisa)
Aug 01, 2018
As Martin Luther King once said, "Free At Last..., Free At Last".

I too worked with Raija for a number of years at CIBC and no doubt that smile was always there, and she brought cheer to everyone. That firm, resolute walk could be spotted blocks away. You always knew Raija was heading your way.

Life was not kind to her in later years, but she is resting comfortably in Gods arms now and we all will remember her fondly.

Deepest condolences to her devoted family.

Sincerely, Carol Sprecher
Aug 01, 2018
Having known Raija while working at the CIBC many years ago, I will always remember her with fondness and that great smile of hers.

My sympathies to her family,

Anita McKinnon
Aug 01, 2018
What a perfect obituary about Raija. I could always tell it was Raija walking because of her swinging arms and determined walk. She didn't have a car so walk she did. I am proud to say Raija was my friend and a co-worker I will never forget. Raija worked in the glass cash cage behind the tellers. Even from there, she was greeting clients with her smile and laughter. The lunchroom was always fun and interesting with Raija. You have been missed for some time Raija but the wonderful memories will continue in my heart.

Doris Major
Aug 01, 2018
Raija was a joyful girl, I will always remember her with a smile and laughter on her face. I am thankful for knowing her and being a co-worker and most of all, a friend.

Annette McCormick
Aug 01, 2018
My deepest sympathies to your family.

Rest in Peace Raija.

Mary Toijonen
Jul 31, 2018
So very sorry to hear this sad news....She is now at peace...working with Raija at CIBC was a joy....condolences to her family........Helen Giffin-Coe
Jul 31, 2018
So sad to hear that Raija has passed on. I was just thinking about Raija just the other day. Dear Raija You can now rest in Peace. Condolences to the family, Raija will be missed. Carrie Swanson
Jul 31, 2018
So sorry to hear this. Worked with her for years. My thoughts are with you all. Helen MacKenzie
Jul 31, 2018
Raija was a good friend of mine for many years. I loved her dearly and she will always have a place in my heart.... condolences to her family.....Heather Smith