Mirka Inari Luoto, 49, passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2024, in Skokie, IL. Born on July 23, 1975, in Finland, Mirka moved with her family to Gulf Breeze, Florida, where she grew up and graduated from Gulf Breeze High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Queens University of Charlotte.

Mirka lived her life passionately, pursuing her love of the outdoors, travel, and her beloved cats. After graduation, she built a successful career in finance, living and working in, Los Angeles, New York, Denver, and Chicago. Despite her professional accomplishments, Mirka was always most at home in nature. She was an avid fisherwoman, hiker, and adventurer, finding peace and joy in the solitude of the natural world, especially on the water. Whether deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, fly fishing in Colorado, bait fishing in Finland's lakes, or salmon fishing with her family in Alaska, Mirka's love for adventure was boundless.

Her travels took her to some of the world's most beautiful and remote places, from hiking the rugged terrain of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia and the Cinque Terre in Italy, to exploring the jungles of Central America, the Swiss Alps, and the islands of Hawaii. She was also planning a trip to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Along the way, she met fascinating people and cherished the stories they shared.

Mirka is preceded in death by her father, Kalervo Luoto. She is deeply missed by her mother, Paula Luoto; her sister, Piritta van Rijn; brother-in-law, Jeroen; her nieces and nephews, Sofia, Vivian and Alexander, and her father's widow, Mary Luoto and her children.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to take the adventure you've been dreaming of—now is the time! They also ask that you consider a donation to your local animal shelter, in honor of Mirka's love for animals.

She will be remembered with love and fondness by all who knew her, and her adventurous spirit will live on in the memories she leaves behind.