In memory of

Sirje Sellers

February 7, 1941 -  October 5, 2023

In Memoriam:

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sirje Sellers (née Ernits) in Toronto at 82 years of age. Sirje was born in Tõrva (Estonia) and, with her family, escaped to Sweden where they lived for five years before immigrating to Canada in 1950.

Sirje excelled academically, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Medicine (1971) and a law degree (1975) from the University of Toronto. Sirje made her mark as a brilliant legal practitioner, in particular as a partner in Commercial Real Estate at the Torys LLP law firm. Sirje also contributed to her chosen legal profession as an editor of the Ontario Law Reports.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sirje was known for her passionate commitment to the advancement of gender equality, especially through the Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF). She was outstanding in her love for her family, her passion for gardening and her love of animals. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, E. A. (Ward) Sellers and Andrew (Drew) Sellers. She is survived by loving son Ward (Deborah MacLeod) and her beloved grand-daughters Briana MacLeod and Erin Sellers. She is also survived by her sister Tiina Corbit (Michael Goodstadt) and her nieces Laura Corbit (Chad Markell) and Caroline Corbit.

Sirje bravely navigated the last dozen years of her life, during which Alzheimer’s disease dramatically impacted the quality of her life. We owe a very special thanks to Aileen Marasigan for her loving and devoted care to Sirje over many years. We also wish to express our appreciation to the kind staff at the Hazelton Residence and at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital’s Albert and Temmy Latner Palliative Care Unit. Details of a memorial service to celebrate Sirje's life to follow.

Sirje will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives were enriched by her presence. Sirje, may you rest in peace.

Guestbook 

(5 of 10)

Sirje Madli Puhvel (friend)

Entered October 7, 2023 from Los Angeles, Calif., USA

So very sorry to hear about Sirje's passing. We were friends from early childhood, as were our families. Condolances to her son Ward, and to her sister, Tiina.

Marilyn Pilkington (law classmate, colleague at Torys LLP, friend.)

Entered October 8, 2023 from Toronto, ON

I am deeply saddened to learn of Sirje's death. The photographs bring back lovely memories of her warmth, intelligence, intensity, and love of family. I valued her friendship, and extend my condolences to her family.

Briana MacLeod (Granddaughter)

Entered October 8, 2023 from Exshaw, Alberta

Gran 🤍 I’ll always remember how much fun it was to visit you, with the fish in the ponds in your backyard and endless puzzles, colouring books and other activities for us in your cabinets. I loved your love of dogs, which I think may have rubbed off on me just a little bit, even though Frankie ate my hamster. And you paved the way for women today - you were one of 19% of women in your 1975 graduating law class and later became partner. Love you to the moon and back.

janet croken (massage therapist)

Entered October 14, 2023 from Toronto

Sending Condolences to all of Sirje,s family. I have many fond memories of the
years I treated Sirje, I would sometimes bring Will, a King Charles to visit, her
smile would light up a stadium. She exuded warmth and kindness, may she
rest in peace.

Alliki Arro (life-long friends)

Entered October 16, 2023 from Toronto

My heartfelt condolences to you, dear Ward, and your family, for the loss of your dear mother, Sirje.
Sirje and I first met as 13-year old girl guides, and she had an impact on all of us. A high-light of our friendship was a trip to Estonia (where Soviet rule was just loosening up) and Scandinavia in 1987.

Photos 

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