It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved mom, grandmother, and friend, Ines Howe, who passed away suddenly following complications from heart surgery.
Ines was full of kindness and warmth. She had a caring heart and gift for friendship. She was truly an inspiration—someone who built connections with ease through her thoughtfulness toward others. She made the extra effort and always strengthened community ties: with family, with fellow teachers, classmates, church and volunteer groups, and through her love of bridge. Her ability to bring people together was one of her greatest gifts.
She is reunited with her husband of 52 years, Raymond, and leaves behind her children, Sabrina (Jean-François) and Dan (Eva), and her five adoring grandchildren Jessica, Anthony, Kiana, Sydney, and Christophe, who were her pride and joy. She is also preceded by her big sister Evelyn (Lembit) with whom she was very close. She was the proud Aunt of Linda (Michael), Arthur (Michelle), Pam, Paul and all the Howe cousins, and loving Great Aunt to Jacquie, Ted, Christine, Atlas, and Dylan, and happy Great, Great Aunt to Zak, Becca, and Charlize.
She was born in Estonia moved to Berlin, where her mother was from, as a young girl. Her father was caught up in the round up of Jews and was executed when she was just 4 years old. Her birth in Estonia helped her and her sister escape being caught up as well.
Following the war, at just 17, she followed her big sister to Canada along with her mother. Here, a whole new chapter of her life began. She mastered a new language, went to university and became a primary school French teacher where she taught for many years at schools including Armour Heights PS and Summit Heights PS.
We invite you to join us in celebrating her life:
· Visitations: Friday, October 3rd from 1:00–3:00pm and 6:00–8:00pm
Location: York Cemetery and Funeral Centre – 160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, ON M2N 5Z5
· Funeral Mass: Saturday, October 4th at 10:30am
Location: St. Gabriel’s Parish – 670 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, ON, M2K 1B7
· Celebration of Life Event - Saturday, October 4th after the mass
Location: Cricket Club – 141 Wilson Ave, Toronto, ON M5M 3A3
o Business Casual clothes required - Additional parking is available across the street at Armour Heights Public School
We would love to hear your special memories of Ines and the ways she inspired you. Please feel free to share them with us as we gather to remember her remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in an area of particular interest to Ines; children's education and children in need here in Canada and around the world.