On October 28, 2011 we said goodbye to our beautiful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother Ebba Poldmaa (Marits). Daughter of late Constable Rein Marits and Ella Kangro, Ebba passed away quietly surrounded by loved ones at Sault Area Hospital. Ebba was older sister to the late Dore Manni (Kaljo), Tiina, Ene and Peeter (Thunder Bay), and late sister Maia Blomquiest (late Borka) (Maire-Ly and Kaupo). Ebba is survived by her loving husband Elmar Poldmaa and children Enn (Robin), Helle Stier (Ron), Taimi, Kaja (Sean Creagh), Alar (Pam), Tarmo (Christine). Known as “Emme” she will also be missed by her grandchildren Tyler (Cheryl), Ashley (Brad), Lauren (Kurt), Taavi, Sasha (Andy), Maia, Kenzie, Ryan, Deven, Kara Li, Heidi, Eerik, Marin, Halaina, Camaryne and great grandchildren Hazel and Miles. Ebba was the matriarch of a family who adored and honoured her courage, strength, and sense of humour. Ebba was born April 2nd, 1925 in Tsooru, Estonia. She met and married her proud husband Elmar in 1951 in London, England and then immigrated to Canada in 1955, resided in Larder Lake and Sault Ste. Marie. Ebba and Elmar raised their family here, but have never stopped teaching everyone about their strong Estonian heritage. Ebba’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were blessed with the many stories that she told. These stories taught the family about life, the power of hope and to be proud of who you are. She loved to do needle work, garden, watch hockey and take care of everyone. She was never seen without her kitchen apron on. No one will forget her delicious holiday cookies, her sauerkraut or her traditional pastries called pirukat. The bright legacy she has passed on is truly a gift that will never leave the people who love her. She was a 25 year member and secretary of the S.S. Marie Estonian Assoc., along with choir member and costume designer/maker for the Sault Opera Society. Thank you to Dr. Graham, nurses Paula, Mandy, Chantal and staff in B Wing, Penny Leishman and Dolly Vincentini for their compassion and care. Special thanks to Pastor Jouko Jyrkama. Our family is deeply saddened to have lost such a treasured loved one. We live on knowing that she watches over us and guides us through memories and words spoken to us as she picked a flower from her beautiful garden or sipped a cup of tea. “Emme” we love you. Be at peace and plant a new garden in heaven for us. As our family gathers together we invite friends to join us in celebrating Ebba’s life on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Visitation from 1:00-3:00, service to follow at 3:00pm. Rev. Jouko Jyrkama officiating. Family and friends are asked to give donations to the Estonian Lutheran Church and SAH Foundation in honour of Ebba. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.
