Lea Inkeri Halinen

It is with profound sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Lea (Inkeri) Halinen on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, at the age of 81.

Inkeri was born on January 14, 1945, in Outokumpu, Finland. She immigrated to Canada at the age of six with her father, mother, brother, and sister. In 1963, she began studying at the University of Alberta and graduated third in her class with honours from the Faculty of Medicine in 1969. She had never considered a career path other than medicine. It simply felt natural to her, as though that’s what she was made to do.

In 1975, after five years practicing as a locum doctor in Canada and abroad, Inkeri settled in Manning, Alberta. She married in 1978 and welcomed her only child, a son, later that year. Dr. Halinen served as the Chief of Staff at the Manning Hospital until 1997, when she relocated to Edmonton and continued her work as an MD until 2019. She had a passion for medicine and caring for people that extended easily and naturally to everyone she met.

Inki had a passion and talent for quilting, and created true works of art with fabric. She liked the idea that her quilts provided their recipients warmth and comfort. She enjoyed experiencing the world and travelled through the US, Europe, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. Reading was very important to her, and she had a lifelong desire to learn. She became extremely well-versed in health, wellness, and spirituality. 

Helping others was the main focus of her life. She spent considerable time volunteering with the Edmonton Food Bank and various other charitable organizations. She also taught adult literacy for the last several years of her life. 

She had the warmest spirit, an easy, joyful laugh, and sincerely extended love, compassion, and understanding to everyone she met.

Inkeri is lovingly remembered by her son Colin (Nikki), sister Kirsti, eight nieces and nephews, and numerous close, wonderful friends.

A celebration of life will be held on September 12th at 2pm at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church (10740 19 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB). Everyone is welcome and encouraged to wear bright colours.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Edmonton Food Bank or PALS (Project Adult Literacy Society).