In memory of
Wilhelmina Theresa Trass
February 11, 1927 - May 4, 2025
Wilhelmina (Helma) Trass (née van Kessel), born Feb 11, 1927 in Rotterdam, Netherlands passed away May 4, 2025 in Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada.
Helma started her career as a Montessori teacher in Rotterdam at a school run by Catholic nuns and was offered a promotion to principal. Prior to advancing her career, she chose to take a year off to fulfill her childhood dream to visit Canada. Helma was so grateful to, and impressed with, Canadian soldiers who risked their lives to liberate Holland during World War II that she promised herself she would one day visit Canada where the people are so caring and helpful to others. In 1955 she made the trip to Canada where she met her husband, started a family, and pursued her passion for helping children achieve their full potential. In 1961 Helma founded the Toronto Montessori School (TMS), a not-for-profit school and one of the first in Canada to offer the Montessori approach to education. TMS commenced with 12 students and continues to this day with almost 900 students. In 1971, Helma also established the Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI), at which students were trained and credentialed as Montessori teachers. She authored a book entitled Education and the Evolving Brain which has not yet been published. Through her devotion to TMS and the Montessori philosophy, Helma’s leadership inspired many. Her determination to help all children succeed is part of her beautiful legacy. Helma is our founder and inspiration and will forever be missed.
Helma leaves behind her son, Alexander, her niece Ellen Laehnemann, brother-in-law Olev (Elvi), nieces and nephews overseas, and some very dear friends.
Friends and family are invited to attend a service celebrating her life at Mt. Pleasant Funeral Centre at 375 Mt. Pleasant Road (East Entrance) on May 21, 2025 at 2pm. A reception will immediately follow the service. A link to livestream the service will be available at the top of this page at 2pm on the day of the service.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated.
Helma started her career as a Montessori teacher in Rotterdam at a school run by Catholic nuns and was offered a promotion to principal. Prior to advancing her career, she chose to take a year off to fulfill her childhood dream to visit Canada. Helma was so grateful to, and impressed with, Canadian soldiers who risked their lives to liberate Holland during World War II that she promised herself she would one day visit Canada where the people are so caring and helpful to others. In 1955 she made the trip to Canada where she met her husband, started a family, and pursued her passion for helping children achieve their full potential. In 1961 Helma founded the Toronto Montessori School (TMS), a not-for-profit school and one of the first in Canada to offer the Montessori approach to education. TMS commenced with 12 students and continues to this day with almost 900 students. In 1971, Helma also established the Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI), at which students were trained and credentialed as Montessori teachers. She authored a book entitled Education and the Evolving Brain which has not yet been published. Through her devotion to TMS and the Montessori philosophy, Helma’s leadership inspired many. Her determination to help all children succeed is part of her beautiful legacy. Helma is our founder and inspiration and will forever be missed.
Helma leaves behind her son, Alexander, her niece Ellen Laehnemann, brother-in-law Olev (Elvi), nieces and nephews overseas, and some very dear friends.
Friends and family are invited to attend a service celebrating her life at Mt. Pleasant Funeral Centre at 375 Mt. Pleasant Road (East Entrance) on May 21, 2025 at 2pm. A reception will immediately follow the service. A link to livestream the service will be available at the top of this page at 2pm on the day of the service.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Memorial
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
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Wednesday, 21 May 2025 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Info: A link to livestream the service will be available at the top of this page at 2pm on the day of the service. Reception to follow.