Harkonen JaanaHARKONEN, Jaana Warm  - Kind. Strong. Mother. Leader. World-traveller.

Lover of champagne, fine wine, handbags and shoes. Tireless list-maker. Friend to many.

Born May 29, 1962, in Port Arthur; died July 8, 2018 in Toronto, aged 56.

Finnish, from Northern Ontario, her roots helped to forge her (sisu) incredible strength of character and adventurous spirit.

A childhood accident first brought her to Toronto where years later, she met and married Jon Town.

Attracted by his joie de vivre and flair for the creative, they shared the same birthday and a beloved daughter Teija. Jaana gracefully balanced a successful career in Human Resources with the demands of single motherhood which continued after Jon's death in 2013.

She was first diagnosed with cancer in March 2015 and following chemotherapy and radiation, her prognosis was initially optimistic. When it returned in 2016, she fought with strength, courage and determination as we knew Jaana would.

Predeceased by her father George (Yrjo) and former husband Jon, she leaves her much loved and cherished daughter Teija, her mother Kaisa Harkonen, sisters Anné Harkonen (Saul), Helena Yokich (Ned) and brother Eric (Donna) as well as nieces and nephews.

Grateful thanks to Dr. M. Butler, the gynaecological oncology team at Princess Margaret, Dr. J. Ailon and the palliative care staff at Bridgepoint and for the kindnesses shown by other attending professionals.

A private interment is planned. At Jaana's request donations to SARRC (Sisters Against Rare Cervical Cancers) would be appreciated.

TorontoObituaries.com

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