Raili Mirjam Osterman

Mirjam, born in Turku, Finland, passed away in Ottawa, Ontario on March 23, 2025, at the age of 94.

Survived by her children John, Shirley, David, and Heather, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, sister Maire Marston, and 2 nephews. Predeceased by her beloved husband William R. Osterman, father Lauri Nikolai Kuusisto and mother Aino Aleksandra Kuusisto (nee Laakso).

Mirjam attended the Montreal High School for Girls, earning a scholarship for her Senior Matriculation year (Grade 12). She met Bill at the age of 16, at Powter's summer camp, where he was assigned to teach her how to paddle. They paddled together for over 70 years, raising 4 kids in the Montreal suburb of Lachine, spending summers at camp and later at their cottage in Dunany, QC. She enjoyed skiing, swimming, canoeing and square dancing. She earned her Bachelor of Education (Home Economics) from McGill in 1980. She loved designing and making quilts, baby sweaters, and stuffed animals. After retirement, they moved to the Westboro neighbourhood of Ottawa, and then to Amica Westboro retirement home, where the nursing staff took wonderful care of her in her final years.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Westboro location of Tubman Funeral Homes, 403 Richmond Road (at Roosevelt) on Saturday April 5th from 1:30 until time of service in the chapel at 2:30. Reception to follow. Burial to take place at St Paul’s Church cemetery, Dunany QC, at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada or the Ottawa Food Bank.