SEPP, Ilme (nee Kuhlberg) Toronto, Ontario

June 8, 1925 - August 25, 2022

Our mother passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97, in the comfort of her own bed.

She is survived by her children Ingrid (Jaak Lupp), Vivian (Philip Wright), grandchildren Kristina, Alexandra (Shawn), Katrina (Kyle), Michael (Danielle) and Kristiana (Tanveer), and her great-grandson Andel. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 69 years, Dr. Hans Sepp.

Ilme was born in Tartu, Estonia. She was forced to flee Estonia like many others during the Second World War. In 1946, she met and married Hans Sepp in a refugee camp in Hamburg, Germany. Following World War II, they immigrated to Leicester, England, while Hans completed his medical studies at the University of Bonn. In the winter of 1952, they landed at Pier 21 in Halifax and settled in Toronto. Her support of Hans was integral to his success as a prominent forensic pathologist in Toronto, handling many of the province’s most difficult cases.

Ilme was the family matriarch, known as “Granny” to her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She loved to host a party where no one could leave disappointed or hungry. Mom was a great communicator, freely engaging people in conversation with her inquisitive style and never afraid to share an opinion. She is remembered for her legacy of creative artistry, elegance, brilliant fashion sense, hospitality, beauty and charm.

One constant in the family was her cottage on the shore of Georgian Bay, a place that brought generations of family together each year and where she could entertain friends. It continues as a legacy of love, continuity and traditions for the entire family.

We would like to thank the staff of Ehatare Retirement and Nursing Home for their unwavering and generous support of our mother in her final years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, on September 20, 2022. Gathering at 12:00noon, with a brief Order of Service beginning at 1:00 pm followed by a reception.

To honour and celebrate Ilme’s vibrant lifestyle, please join us wearing a bright, colourful outfit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ilme Sepp to: KESKUS International Estonian Centre (donations@estoniancentre.ca) www.estoniancentre.ca