Nelli passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Saturday, January 13, 2024

Hailing from the Estonian island of Hiiumaa, Nelli had an adventurous start to life escaping to Sweden at the age of 15 with her father, Villem Luukas, brother and other family members in an 18-ft fishing boat. Five years later, Nelli arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax making her Canadian debut before landing in Toronto where she would go on to meet her husband, Ado Reimann.

A talented seamstress and hairdresser, Nelli adorned many beautiful hand sewn gowns that were admired across numerous events, house parties and evenings of ball room dancing. Her talents were later offered to repair injured stuffies belonging to the numerous family grand-puppies.

Before she became an unforgettably loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Nelli was a wonderful friend and support who was constantly surrounded by a gaggle of girlfriends. Later on, Nelli and Ado’s home at 55 Hambly became a second home for many friends, family and visiting grandchildren with their welcoming open-door policy.

Always known for her warm demeanor and generosity, Nelli thrived on helping, which led her to take an active volunteer role in the Toronto Estonian community.

Predeceased by husband, Ado; surviving daughters Silvia (Toomas Trei), Sandra (Ed Werner) and Selina; grandchildren Robert (Leila), Laani (James Grey) Trei and James (Lauren), Kaili Werner; and grandson’s Kalev and Luukas will forever remember Nelli for her infectious smile, big hugs, Orillia milk runs and famous pannkoogid and maasikamoos.

A memorial service to commemorate Nelli's life will be held at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto on Friday January 19th, 2024, at 2:00pm with visitation starting at 1:00pm, followed by inurnment and a reception. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Toronto Estonian Society Kindergarten - TES Lasteaed - via the Estonian Foundation of Canada.