HILDA SULTS (TOOTSIUS)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HILDA SULTS (nee TOOTSIUS) August 23, 1919 - January 3, 2003 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Hilda leaves to mourn her husband of 52 years, Harry; her daughter Kadri (John) granddaughter, Kaja; her son Taavo (Andrea) many relatives in Estonia, and countless friends. Hilda was born on August 23, 1919, in the small Baltic country of Estonia. A traditional Estonian upbringing instilled in her a deep love of nature, a talent for exquisite handiwork, and a wonderful appreciation for music. As with so many others, the onset of The Second World War and the Soviet invasion of Estonia caused a deep upheaval in her life. All of a sudden, she found herself a refugee in Germany in a displaced persons camp. It was there that she first met her future husband, Harry, also an Estonian. Hilda immigrated to Canada in February of 1949, to the city of Sherbrooke, QC. Succumbing to her future husbands romantic persuasion, she relocated to Bissett, MB, where Harry was working as a miner. Hilda and Harry were married in Bissett on August 10, 1950, with Hilda wearing the traditional Estonian costume. Hilda was intensely proud of her Canadian citizenship and exemplified the immigrant ideal, but also retained her love and devotion to her homeland and its customs and culture. Bissett was a small but vibrant community where Hilda and Harry made lifelong friends. In 1953, the couple moved to Winnipeg and eventually raised their family. Hilda was blessed with an artistic flair, which permeated many aspects of her life. Though manifested in painting and tapestry work, it was through cooking that this flair was best expressed. She was an artist but declined to accept any special talent, replying that all you needed was to cook with love. This talent led not only to continued employment, initially with Pierres, then the Niakwa Country Club and Granite Curling Club, but also provided a foundation for Winnipeg Estonian Society functions. During special occasions, fortunate attendees could also sample her famous multi-layered tortes - a true visual and gastronomic experience. Hilda was a great nature lover. Fishing, picking wild berries and mushrooms, and fondness for wildlife were key elements throughout her life. Domestic animals also benefited from her attention, making a beeline for Hildas kitchen, and leaving far more satisfied than upon entering it. And who can forget her skill at gardening, where a great joy was in the garden tour ritual with family and friends admiring her extraordinary tomatoes and flowers. She dearly loved her cottage and the truly lovely environment she created there. Music was a joy and passion. An opera enthusiast and patron of Manitoba Opera since its inception, her assessment of singers and their talent was never wrong. Her joy in opera was enhanced by being able to watch her daughter perform in the opera chorus. Hilda possessed a quiet dignity but was also imbued with an exceedingly strong will. Her dignity was evident in her unselfish care and concern for her countless "linnukesed". Her strong will was patently obvious in her zest for life, arguments about politics, and perhaps mostly in her great passion for bridge. Marathon matches with her husband and their close friends would sometimes last till dawn (leaving the children to wonder if they would ever see home again). Punctuated by passionate exchanges, it was a sorry soul who ever attempted to teach Hilda how to play the game. Hildas generosity and gift for friendship was legendary. The legacy of love she leaves is a testament to her unselfish care and love for others. For the last 15 years, she had a special recipient of this devotion - her granddaughter Kaja. We will miss you, "armas Hilda, armas Mamma, armas linnukene". The family wishes to thank the exceptional care and compassion of the staff on Ward 5A, St. Boniface Hospital during this difficult time. It was so appreciated. A memorial service will be held at Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel, 1501 Waverley St., at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 9. If so preferred, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, the Heart and Stroke Building, 6 Donald St., Suite 200, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, would be appreciated. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2003