Erna Sildva (née Pruul), a cherished matriarch and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, at the age of 99. Born on July 3, 1925, in Muhu, Estonia, to Mihail Pruul and Raissa Maltis, Erna lived a remarkable life filled with love, resilience, and devotion to her family.

Erna’s family escaped Estonia during World War II in a small fishing boat, sailing under cover of darkness across the Baltic Sea to Sweden. They resided in a refugee camp for 2 years and following that the family moved in with her older brother in a small apartment in Gothenberg, Sweden. Erna met Viktor Sildva during this time, they fell in love, married and emigrated to Canada in 1951 with a suitcase and only a few dollars. Hence began a lifelong partnership that would last through many cherished years. They settled in Toronto, Canada, where they raised their two children, Harry and Linda. Soon after, Erna's father followed them to Toronto and lived with Erna and her family for the next 30 years.

Erna’s warmth and strength as a mother laid the foundation for a close-knit family that grew to include four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored and inspired. A woman of grace, quiet determination and artistic talent, Erna carried the spirit of her Estonian heritage with her throughout her life. She faced challenges with courage and embraced life’s joys with a generous heart, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Her legacy lives on in the stories shared by her family, the traditions she nurtured, and the love that binds her descendants together. Erna was predeceased by her husband, Viktor, and is survived by her children, Harry (Birute) Sildva of Brechin, Ontario and Linda (Gregory) Halpin of Merritt Island, Florida, as well as her four Grandchildren, Krista (Douglas) Pierce of Windermere, Florida, Erika (Jay) Martin of Toronto, Andres (Ryszarda) Raud of Brooklyn, New York, Tiiu (Umai) Sildva of Rohallion, Ontario and nine Great-Grandchildren, Spencer, Sydney, Kalev, Liia, Aili, Maia, Suvi, Rein and Mihkel, who lovingly referred to her as "Memme". Her passing leaves a void in the lives of all who loved her, but her memory will be treasured forever.

A service will be held in Toronto on April 5 1:00 PM at York Cemetery to honour Erna’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to Ehatare, the seniors home where Erna happily spent the final years of her life.

https://www.ehatare.com/donate