1919-2009. Hilja died Friday January 30, 2009 after an accidental fall. She was 89 years old. She was born on a Saskatchewan farm near Dunblane, and moved to Kelowna in 1968. She is survived by her husband Lauri and her three children Ted (Donna), Alice, and Allan (Myrt) Honkala, five grandchildren Todd, Chris (Julie) Lauri (Tracey), Wendi (Jeff) and Lisa (Marc), six great-grandchildren Brandy, Jacey and Jada Swanson, Katey, Bradley and Matthew Honkala. She was predeceased by her parents William and Emma Perala, sister Ina and granddaughter Kristin Dawn Honkala. Hilja loved living in Kelowna and was always a regular at Rotary Beach. She and her husband Lauri loved dancing and had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on October 14, where they danced with all their family and friends. Hilja requested cremation and no service, a memorial will be held at a later date to celebrate her life. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation if desired. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and her family was important to her. She was also very active in political activities.