It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Linda Püssa, who left us peacefully at the age of 100, on the 27th of February, 2025, at North York General Hospital. Linda was predeceased by her father, Alexander Johanson, her mother, Emilie Teetsov Johanson, her sister, Carmen Johanson, and her beloved husband, Heino Püssa. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Anne Liivoja (John) and Tiina Püssa, her grandchildren, Kristina Liivoja Hatton (Ryan), Sabrina Liivoja (Steve), and Katrin Liivoja Merrithew (Joe), as well as her great-grandchildren, Erik, Lydia, Amelia, Paige, Emily, Ethan, and Lemmi.

Born in Pärnu, Estonia, Linda cherished the time she spent in the seaside village. In 1944, she fled Estonia, embarking on a boat journey that led her to a refugee camp in Germany. Linda eventually moved to America before finally settling in Toronto, Canada, where she married, bought a house, and raised her two daughters.

Linda was a strong and dedicated woman, actively involved in the Toronto Estonian community. She participated in cultural events through St. Peter’s Estonian Lutheran Church, The Estonian House, Jõekääru Estonian Camp, and Eesti Elu, an Estonian newspaper.

Linda had a successful career as an Inspector for Quality Control at Rockwell Collins before retiring at age 65. She then devoted 25 years of service to Ehatare Estonian Nursing Home, both as an employee and as a volunteer, until she turned 90 years of age. She made a difference in the lives of others through her work and volunteerism.

Her passion for photography and writing (using a manual typewriter) led her to contribute articles and photographs to Eesti Elu, where her work was cherished by many. Linda’s love of travel took her around the world and she especially enjoyed revisiting Estonia with her daughters and granddaughters.

In her later years, Linda continued to live in her Toronto home with her daughter Tiina, where she was lovingly cared for until her final admittance into the hospital. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses for their excellent care and compassion in her last days.

Linda leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, determination, and cultural pride. She will forever be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Estonian Children’s Camp Jõekääru as follows:

EFC website: Estonian Foundation of Canada
Online donations can be made below on "Make a Donation"
Donors can just mark "Jõekääru" into the notes of the donation.