MAGI, Irja Merike (nee KAPSI) - August 31, 1937 - Tallinn, Estonia - August 2, 2021 - Toronto, Ontario
Irja, a beautiful, gentle soul, who has left us all with dear memories, died suddenly of a brain aneurism.
The Soviet invasions of Estonia in 1941 and 1944 caused her family to flee to Germany and eventually to Scotland.
In 1952, Irja's family emigrated from Scotland to Toronto. Irja's life in Toronto went well; she graduated from Jarvis Collegiate and the Physio Therapy programme at the University of Toronto, followed by immensely satisfying work at the Hospital for Sick Children and The Toronto General and Princess Margaret Hospitals.
In her retirement she volunteered for many years at PMH. Irja was a true Canadian who treasured and was enriched by her Estonian heritage.
For many years she was an active member of "INDLA", a U of T Estonian sorority, and of "AKEN", an Estonian charity which aided impoverished children and schools in Estonia.
Along with her beloved sister, Nora, she treasured several summers in Tuscany, and winter holidays in Siesta Key, Florida.
In April, 2020, Irja and her husband were victims of Covid, during which, her husband, Rein died, and Irja was hospitalized for 2 1/2 months before recovering and coming to live with Nora where they spent a year enjoying life and being thankful.
Sadly she was predeceased by her beloved nephew, and Nora's son, Aleksander Johannes Wallner, in January 2021.
We are left to grieve a selfless, always positive woman who loved and was loved by her family and friends for whom, each day, she would remark is a gift.
"Mourn me not with apparel of black, But dress in colour and rejoice with me; Talk not of my departure with sighs in your hearts; Close your eyes and you will see me with you forever more." Khalil Gibran.
Irja has been cremated and hopefully a celebration of life will follow at a later date.
In her memory please donate to either of the following: Estonian Foundation of Canada, 956 Broadview Ave. Toronto M4K 2R4. SPCA, or Toronto Humane Society.
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