It is with great sadness the family of Sophie Arpin announces her passing. She peacefully slipped away on angels wings to heaven having just celebrated her 86th birthday. She goes to rejoin family members who have gone before - her beloved husband Laurent Arpin, parents Jean Baptiste and Emeriza Desaulniers, brother Gus Desaulniers and many more loved ones. She will be greatly and sadly missed by her sister Lynn, brother Aimé (Jeanne), her children Paulette, Pat (Dick), Rachel (Bill), Jackie, Lou (Don), Chuck (Gayle), Annitta (Ron), Lolly (Brent), Jan (Bruce), and Guy (Bev); her incredible grandchildren Renée (Rob), Laurie (Alana), Michael (Joy), Larry, Ritchie, Kevin (Jen), Carisse (Jim), Carly, Troy (Jenn), Jamie (Kim), Chuck Jr (Sarah), Steve, Elizabeth (Emmanuel), Bruce (Cindy), Brett, Bryan (Lindsay), Blair (Paula), Matthew (Kelly), Katie (Shaun), Brad, Skylar, Hayley and Jackson; her amazing great-grandchildren Alex, Marshall, Rhianna, Cole, Reilli, Kennedy, Isabel, Samantha, Benjamin, Mikaiel, Tyler Cole, Zeph, Tilly, Ruby, Micah, Peyton, Alena, Lonna, Theresa; and a special great-great grandchild Toryn. Sophie also treasured her many nieces and nephews. Family was so very important to her. They were her life and she counted each as a blessing. Sophie was born in Rainy River and raised in Pinewood, and this is where she also raised her 10 children. Free time was unimaginable, yet she found time to volunteer and support the community, a value she instilled in every one of her children. Pinewood Sports Day would find her not only volunteering at the infamous fishing pond but also being a pretty amazing pitcher during the many ball tournaments. As a volunteer Sophie was also recognized on many occasions for her hours and years of dedication: The Catholic Women’s League (Charter Member), Rainy River Hospital Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels, to name a few. All who knew her reaped the benefits of her amazing abilities as a seamstress. There was not an art she couldn’t master: sewing, knitting, crocheting, paper toile and transforming hand-me-downs into beautiful garments. Her mitts and slippers, whether sewn or knit, were always in great demand and coveted by all. As Mom advanced in years and her health care needs increased, daily care and support became necessary. Her family is sincerely grateful to the Riverview Manor NILS staff and neighbors/friends who so lovingly tended to her; the doctors, nurses and staff of Riverside Health Care in Rainy River and Fort Frances; her church family and so many more throughout this very generous community. She was warm, kind and generous. A true blessing to all of the lives she touched. It is hard to let her go, but we thank God for sending her our way and we know there is no better place than cradled safe in the arms of Jesus. Prayer Service is from 7:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, January 4, 2013 at Northridge Funeral Home, Emo, ON. Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Rainy River, ON with reception to follow immediately. Interment will take place in Our Lady of The Way Catholic Cemetery, Pinewood, ON at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rainy River Locum House c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0. Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com