It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful mother, at the age of 100, on Wednesday, January 27th, at the Mountainview Residence in Georgetown, Ontario. Helgi was predeceased by her husband of 71 years Erich Männiste. She was the pillar of strength and inspiration for her 8 children, 19 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her children Margit, Vaike (Roy), Eneli (Late David), Andres (Lynn), Virve (Robert), Tiina (David), Kalli (David) and Linda (John). She leaves behind her much loved 19 grandchildren Luke (Melanie), Julia (Bob), Kristen (Stuart), Kendra (Michael), Kalli (Matt), Anatole, Isabelle, Mikelle, Rachel (Steve), Laura (Martin), Kristina, Caroline (Michael), Liisa (Christian), Kevin (Sarah), Tiina (Robbie), Zak (Wes), Noah (Emma), Kaarina (Dustin) and Braeden (Abby) and all her great grandchildren.
Erich and Helgi brought their three young daughters to Canada as refugees from the Soviet occupation of their home country Estonia. They made their home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario where their remaining children were born. As an immigrant to Canada our mother fought hard to educate herself and became a much loved elementary school teacher. While teaching and raising her children she continued her education and graduated from University at the age of 56. She was intelligent and beautiful, strong and caring, bold and tenacious. She loved her family with all her heart and will truly be missed.
Due to Covid restrictions a celebration of life will be held at a later date