September 24, 1948 – March 29, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving wife, mother, baba and great-grandmother Jeanette Susan Oja (Daniels) on Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Thunder Bay, at the age of 77.
Jeanette was born in Fort William on September 24, 1948 to John and Veronica Elizabeth Daniels. At the age of 15, Jeanette met Eldon Oja, who lived a couple doors over from where she was babysitting and they married in 1967. On March 11th, Jeanette and Eldon celebrated 59 years of marriage. Beginning in 1969, after Eldon graduated from Lakehead University, the Oja family moved from Fort William to Toronto to Nova Scotia to Vancouver to Toronto to Newfoundland and finally returned home to Thunder Bay (Fort William). Prior to her retirement, Jeanette enjoyed her work as a Legal Assistant for Peter Mrowiec.
Jeanette is survived by her husband Eldon Oja, daughter Cathy (Ben), son Conrad (Kelly) and son Curtis, as well as grandchildren Kaitlyn, Samantha, Joanna, Tianna, Jarrod and Gray; and 6 great grandchildren Atticus, Amiria, Grace, Sophia, Lucas and Santino. Also survived by siblings Brian (Sharon) Daniels, Betty Shaw, David Daniels, Brenda (Gino) Veneruzzo and Rob Daniels, and sisters-in-law Debbie Daniels, Thelma Oja, brother-in-law Elmer Oja, and many more family members and friends who were like family.
She is predeceased by her parents John and Veronica, brothers Terry and Wayne and granddaughter Kayla, brothers-in-law Elgin Oja and Wayne Shaw, sister-in-law Eleanor Osipenko (Nick) and sister-in-law Audrey Oja.
Jeanette was a big part of every community she lived in. She made many friends and touched countless lives through her church work. As well, through her gifts of alternative healing like Healing Touch and Body Talk, and her teaching skills as a Reiki Master. Jeanette was part of the Thunder Bay Quilters Guild for almost 30 years. Her family and friends were an important part of her life and she cherished every moment and memory she made.
The family would like to thank Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the staff of palliative care floor 4 North at St Joseph’s for the exceptional care and kindness to her and our family.
Funeral Services for Jeanette Oja will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 11:00am in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (10 Farrand Street) officiated by Pastor Matthew Diegel. Private interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Jeanette to Our Saviours Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
