It is with heavy yet full hearts that we announce the passing of Armilde Siekierski (nee Sarapuu). She died peacefully on December 20, 2020, just one week after her ninety-fifth birthday.

Born in Emmaste, Hiiumaa, Estonia in 1925, Armilde was one of seven children to parents Magnus and Pauline Sarapuu (nee Soo), and is survived by her sister Helvi Orr. It wasn’t long before Armilde’s life was defined by her resilience. After having to flee her home on her own during World War II in pursuit of safety, Armilde arrived in Sweden, where she soon met Waclaw Siekierski, a young Polish soldier who would become her husband of 60 years. They started a long and happy life together after emigrating to Toronto, Canada, where Armilde gave birth to her son, John, and her daughter, Suzanna.

A gifted artist, Armilde effortlessly captured the beauty of the natural world on canvas, from the swirling waves of the Baltic Sea to frozen reeds in Northern Ontario creeks in acrylic and, her specialty, watercolour. Throughout her life, her artwork was recognized by galleries in both Canada and Estonia. Her paintings will serve as a reminder of the strength of her character, her warmth and her knowing smile as they’re enjoyed by family, friends and future generations for years to come.

Armilde’s family—son John Siekierski, daughter Susan Carpenter (Bryan Ratushniak), grandchildren Kari Perioris (Mario Perioris) and Kyle Carpenter (Lydia Beck) and their cousin Sean Kirkwood (Becca French), and great grandchildren Penelope and Nicholas Perioris—ask that those who desire may make donations in memory of Armilde to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or the Art Guild of Scarborough.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the medical staff at Scarborough General Hospital and Armilde’s nurses and caregivers at Chester Village Long-Term Care Home.

A celebration of Armilde’s life will be held next year when we are able to gather and be together.