Terttu Ritva Tuulikki (Lonka) Gay, age 75, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024 at home surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on September 4, 1948 in Finland to the late Reino Olavi Lonka and Aili Tekla Tähtinen Lonka.

Ritva had no fear of adventure, having moved as a teenager from a very small town in Finland to the capital city of Helsinki, and then again in 1970 to the USA as a young woman to work as a nanny for the children of a Finnish family in New York. She spoke no English at the time but learned it quickly, and although we all remember that Finnish accent that she never lost, she came to speak and write English fluently.

Ritva and Tom were married in 1973 and after having her children, Ritva took on housecleaning jobs and maintained multiple clients throughout the years. When the family moved to North Carolina in 1990, Ritva decided to go to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Over the years she worked in nursing homes and ultimately took employment with New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where she stayed until her retirement in 2018. She was a favorite amongst both patients and colleagues alike because of her compassion and hard work ethic.

Ritva loved her family immensely, as they did her. She was devoted to her three children and always went above and beyond to lend them a helping hand throughout her life. She also played a large role in helping to raise all five of her grandchildren. She was invaluable especially throughout their infancy and toddler years, having that magical grandmother's love!

As well as the love of her family, Ritva had many deep, lifelong friendships, some of which endured from early childhood until her passing. All would likely agree that Ritva was the best friend that one could have; a friend who put time and effort into maintaining the friendship. A friend who was a compassionate ear to one's troubles, a friend who enjoyed quiet time over a cup of coffee or reflection over a glass of wine, and a friend who was always eager to share in life's joys and adventures.

Family and friends were central to Ritva's life, but so were God's creatures. In addition to the many pets that she had over the years, Ritva also treated everyone else's pets as the important family members that they were. Animals sensed this gentle love that she had for them and she was a magnet to all four-legged, furry creatures.

Anyone who knew Ritva well knew that she was a fantastic baker and cook, and she loved preparing meals for her family. She cherished the time spent with her family celebrating holidays and birthdays together. Ritva was also well-known for her beautiful and fully edible gingerbread houses. She sold some, gave some to friends and created a special one for her kids (and later her grandkids) every Christmas. Yearly traditions were very important to Ritva and one of them was the annual Christmas cookie baking and decorating night that she had with her grandchildren.

Ritva also loved to create special memories with her loved ones by traveling and exploring new places. Some trips were back home to Finland, which she took often to see her family and friends, and some were to other countries as well as locations throughout the United States. One favorite pastime was the annual family trip to the North Carolina mountains to see the colorful autumn leaves and relax in a cozy mountain cabin. Nature was another love of Ritva's. Whether it was wildflowers, fall leaves or the tropics of Costa Rica, she had numerous photos that reflect the appreciation she had of God's beauty on Earth.

A gentle yet strong soul with a compassionate heart, Ritva was the epitome of what an Äiti (Mom), Mummi (Grandma), and friend encompasses, and her presence here will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We are grateful for the love she shared, the lessons she imparted and the indelible mark she left on our lives. Let us carry forward her legacy of love, spirit of compassion and her unwavering strength as we navigate the journey ahead.

Rest in peace, our dearest Ritva.

Ritva is survived by her son, Tomas M. Lonka; daughters, Kristiina M. D'Josey and husband, Edward, and Katariina M. Gay and husband Alfredo; grandchildren, Rocco, Sam, Nick, Chamo, and Adrián; nephews, Jani and Johan; nieces, Susse and Hanne; and several grandnephews and grandnieces.

In addition to her parents, Ritva was preceded in death by her sister, Eila Koivunen.

A visitation will be held at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington on Tuesday, June 4th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Ritva's cremains will be interred in her home country of Finland.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171