Daughter of Tony Rizzo and Janelle Purdon
It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter, Aydyn Elisa Rizzo, 18, of Thunder Bay, on May 14, 2026, after a brief but incredibly courageous battle with cancer.
Aydyn was born on December 10, 2007 to Tony and Janelle. From the very beginning, she brought laughter and love to everyone around her. She attended Holy Cross, Bishop E.Q. Jennings, St. Ignatius High Schools and had recently begun pursuing her dream of helping others through the Paramedic program at Confederation College.
Aydyn had a beautiful spirit and a smile that could brighten any room. She was caring, funny, courageous and fiercely loyal, with a quiet confidence that allowed her to always stay true to herself. Aydyn was good at everything she put her mind to. Growing up, she enjoyed gymnastics, dance and cheerleading. She especially loved her time spent at her camp on Sturgeon Bay and family weekends at Lac des Mille Lacs fishing, tubing and swimming with her siblings and cousins. She also greatly enjoyed her time spent with her boyfriend Thomas and his family fishing, ice fishing and spending quality time at their house.
Many in the community may have known her from her work at Ardene, The Burger Barn, or as a ski instructor at Mount Baldy, where she shared her talents and encouragement with others. She treasured time spent with her friends and family, and the memories she created will be held close in our hearts forever.
Aydyn’s memory will forever be cherished by her dad, Tony (Kathy Zanni); her mom, Janelle (Neal Purdon); her twin brother, Rylan; sister Aya and stepbrothers Sam and Connor. She will also be deeply missed by her grandparents, Diane Rizzo, Gerald Blomquist (Marietta Blomquist), and Elisa Blomquist (Paul Kytayko); her aunts and uncles, Kayla Blomquist (Mark Niemi), Corey Blomquist (Yvonne Weleschuk), Nick Rizzo (Kathryn Duchnicky), and Marissa Morgan (Perry Morgan); her cousins, Camryn, Madison, Austin, Sydney, Brayden and Macey. She will also be extremely missed by her boyfriend, Thomas Dudley, countless friends, classmates, coworkers, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Marchuk, Dr. Del Paggio, Dr. Anthes, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Ward, the entire ICU team of doctors and nurses, and Michael Power for his tireless efforts in securing treatment options for Aydyn in both Canada and the United States.
Aydyn was predeceased by her baby sister, Avery, her Nonno Nicola Rizzo, and her great grandmother Rauha Maijala all of whom she held close in her heart and is now reunited with.
Though her time with us was far too short, Aydyn’s love and beautiful heart will remain with us always.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Whitewater Golf Club between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with speeches beginning at 2:00 p.m.
If desired, donations can be made to Raising the Barr Charity https://raisingthebarrgolf.com/. Online condolences can be made at www.sargentandson.com.
“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever”
