KORO, Ossi Johannes Koro

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Ossi Johannes Koro at the Sault Area Hospital on August 30, 2025 at the age of 89 with family by his side after unexpected health complications.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Elisa, his daughter Eeva Hopley, (late Allan) and his son Jyrki Koro (Patricia Nadon-Koro). His absence will be deeply felt by his grandchildrenEmma, Caley, Shane and Amber. Ossi is predeceased by his father Yrjo, mother Vieno, sisters Oili and Riitta and brother Lasse. He also leaves behind his siblings Markus Koro and Ritva Koro.

Ossi came to Canada as a young man from post-war Finland in search of opportunity. Amidst the vibrant Finnish community of Sault Ste Marie, he met and fell in love with Elisa Kortesmaki, his wife of 64 years. Together, they raised two children with whom they shared their language and culture enriched by many return trips to Finland. Family included the many friends from their homeland with whom they created fond memories and lasting bonds. Ossi and Elisa shared a love for dancing and for many years they graced the floors of the local dance halls with their elegance and style.

Ossi was a skilled tradesman and established a successful painting and drywall finishing business. He lent his skills and time to help build or renovate the homes of his adult children and he had a special talent for breathing new life into discarded building materials. Ossi was an unmatched marksman, a skill he honed from his military training in Finland. He was a contributing member of the Sault Finnish Club and helped build the Hiawatha lodge from the dismantled timbers of Fort Wosguhaegun. For some years, the local Finnish communitytuned into his voice that was broadcast on a local radio program he hosted with friends and colleagues.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the exceptional caregivers at SAH. Special thanks to nurses Debbie and Eva from ICU.

There will be a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.