"Thank You for Everything, I Love You."

Sirkka Irma Yokosawa (Soininen), 91, of Naperville, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Edward Hospital surrounded by her family.

Sirkka, loving daughter of Eino and Sigrid Soininen, was born in Viipuri, Finland on March 31, 1930. In 1939, Sirkka and her family had to evacuate their cherished home as Russia invaded and occupied Viipuri. As a result of their abrupt departure the family lost all of their possessions.

During her time in Viipuri she attended a private German School for her primary education and studied piano at the Music School. She was always devoted to her studies and excelled in school. Sirkka was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship from Finland, bringing her to the United States. While studying at Illinois State University she met her beloved, late husband Aki. On June 8, 1957 they were married in Copenhagen, Denmark.

In 1959, Aki accepted a position as a high energy nuclear physicist at Argonne National Laboratory. They moved to Naperville with their infant son, Ken, where they settled and began to grow their family. Sirkka loved her family and spent her life always smiling and happy and ready to lend a hand to her family and friends. She especially will be remembered for always saying "Thank You" and sending thank you cards. Sirkka's last words to her family were "Thank You for Everything, I Love You"

Sirkka is survived by her three children; Kenneth and Tina (Pedersen) Yokosawa of Grand Blanc MI, Martin and Anastasia (Daleiden) Yokosawa of Naperville IL, Tina and Peter Buhelos of Burr Ridge IL, six grandchildren; Sofia Yokosawa and Daniel Lian of San Francisco CA, Eva Yokosawa of Chicago IL, Lisa and Andrew Buhelos of Burr Ridge IL, Niko of Chicago IL, Dominique Yokosawa of Naperville IL, One great grandchild; Luka Lian of San Fran
cisco CA, In Finland; Sirkka is survived by her dear sister Marjaana Soininen.

Sirkka was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 52 years Akihiko Yokosawa, her daughter Lisa Kay Yokosawa in infancy, and her grandson Alex Yokosawa.

Visitation will be Monday, April 5, 2021 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St, Aurora, IL. 60506.
Funeral services and interment for Sirkka will be private for family only.

For information, please call (630) 631-5500.