In memory of
Esther Kass
April 11, 1931 - August 8, 2025
A Life of Love, Faith, and Strength
"Esther Kass lived a long life full of love, faith, and quiet strength. Though she faced many trials and losses, her heart always remained hopeful and happy, her spirit resilient, and her family her greatest joy."
It is with deep sadness but also gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and aunt, Esther Kass, on August 8, 2025, at the age of 94. We were blessed to celebrate her birthday in April before she was admitted to hospital with a leg wound that would not heal.
Born in Tallinn, Estonia, to Aleksander and Adele Tahevali, Esther grew up in a home deeply rooted in faith. Her father was a respected Lutheran minister, and in Estonia, ministers were highly honored and well cared for, giving Esther a privileged and loving upbringing. She spent her childhood surrounded by church, prayer, and family, and spoke fondly of her treasured summers at the family’s seaside property in Haapsalu.
She endured the upheavals of World War II, including the bombing of Tallinn, and later fled with family to Stockholm, Sweden, where her father established a new Lutheran congregation for Estonian exiles.
Independent and strong-willed, Esther followed her own path. At 21, she left Sweden for Canada, where she met and married her husband, Tarvo. Together, they raised three children—Eva, Mark, and Ando
Esther was known for her resilience, impeccable style, and gentle humor. She cherished her work at Simpsons and later Sears, where she made lifelong friends and delighted in helping shoppers with her keen fashion sense. She faced life’s joys and sorrows with unwavering hopefulness, including the loss of her daughter Eva in 1976, her husband Tarvo in 2004, and her grandson Ben in 2024, yet her spirit remained strong, and her faith unshaken.
She found her greatest joy in her family, delighting in her grandchildren Kaila, Benjamin, Elias, and Leena, and welcoming every visit and phone call with warmth and happiness.
She will be deeply missed by her sons Ando and Mark, daughter-in-law Niina, grandchildren Kaila, Elias, and Leena, niece Katarina, nephew Kristian, sister-in-law Seria, and many friends.
Service Details
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, at 12:30 PM at St. Peter’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, 817 Mt Pleasant Road, Toronto, followed by interment at Mt Pleasant Cemetery.
Esther loved her church, and in lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Peter’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
"Esther Kass lived a long life full of love, faith, and quiet strength. Though she faced many trials and losses, her heart always remained hopeful and happy, her spirit resilient, and her family her greatest joy."
It is with deep sadness but also gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and aunt, Esther Kass, on August 8, 2025, at the age of 94. We were blessed to celebrate her birthday in April before she was admitted to hospital with a leg wound that would not heal.
Born in Tallinn, Estonia, to Aleksander and Adele Tahevali, Esther grew up in a home deeply rooted in faith. Her father was a respected Lutheran minister, and in Estonia, ministers were highly honored and well cared for, giving Esther a privileged and loving upbringing. She spent her childhood surrounded by church, prayer, and family, and spoke fondly of her treasured summers at the family’s seaside property in Haapsalu.
She endured the upheavals of World War II, including the bombing of Tallinn, and later fled with family to Stockholm, Sweden, where her father established a new Lutheran congregation for Estonian exiles.
Independent and strong-willed, Esther followed her own path. At 21, she left Sweden for Canada, where she met and married her husband, Tarvo. Together, they raised three children—Eva, Mark, and Ando
Esther was known for her resilience, impeccable style, and gentle humor. She cherished her work at Simpsons and later Sears, where she made lifelong friends and delighted in helping shoppers with her keen fashion sense. She faced life’s joys and sorrows with unwavering hopefulness, including the loss of her daughter Eva in 1976, her husband Tarvo in 2004, and her grandson Ben in 2024, yet her spirit remained strong, and her faith unshaken.
She found her greatest joy in her family, delighting in her grandchildren Kaila, Benjamin, Elias, and Leena, and welcoming every visit and phone call with warmth and happiness.
She will be deeply missed by her sons Ando and Mark, daughter-in-law Niina, grandchildren Kaila, Elias, and Leena, niece Katarina, nephew Kristian, sister-in-law Seria, and many friends.
Service Details
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, at 12:30 PM at St. Peter’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, 817 Mt Pleasant Road, Toronto, followed by interment at Mt Pleasant Cemetery.
Esther loved her church, and in lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Peter’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Funeral Details
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Funeral
St. Peter's Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Toronto
817 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4P 2L1
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Wednesday, 20 Aug 2025 12:30 PM