In Celebration of

Danute Rautins

May 9, 1923 -  May 8, 2020

Danute Rautins, born May 9, 1923 in Panevezys, Lithuania died peacefully of heart failure at Labdara Lithuanian Nursing Home on May 8, 2020 in her 97th year. Danute was the only beloved daughter of Ignas and Elena Pasilys and lived with them briefly in Zarasai, Lithuania before fleeing Soviet repression in the early 1940’s.

She was the cherished wife of the late Oswald Rautins, a Latvian she met in a displaced persons’ camp in Germany. They both lost family members at a young age and had an instant bond. Danute was the loving Mother of George, Rauda and Leo and their partners. She was an awesome Grandmother and Great Grandmother to a very big brood.

Danute ruled the household so we spoke Lithuanian, the matriarchal language although she spoke impeccable English and German. She had an indomitable spirit and a strong will which her friends and family will attest to.

Although a patriotic Canadian, Danute was forever loyal to Lithuania, her homeland and spent many years sharing her expertise in music with the National Museum of Canada and Toronto’s Lithuanian community as a piano teacher and performer. Danute had magical hands that could play music, sew, knit, garden and cook. She was most adept in the kitchen where we were often held captive to her big meals.
Danute enjoyed being physically fit and she exercised religiously every day, which was a testament to her long life. She will always be remembered as a champion of the underdog, a believer in self-actualization and a fierce advocate for independence. May her soul enjoy the best of what this world and the next have to offer.

The Rautins family is most indebted and grateful to the Labdara staff and Dr. Daiva Norkus for the excellent care Danute received over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Labdara Foundation. For more information please go to the Labdara web site (Labdara.ca).

A commemorative service will be arranged at a later date.

Private interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery on 305 Erskine Avenue where Danute will forever be united with Oswald on their next journey together.

Guestbook 

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Howie Strode (Friend)

Entered May 9, 2020 from St George

My condolences to he family. She lived a fruitful life

Wendy & Ted Bleaney (Friend)

Entered May 9, 2020

We were sorry to read about your mother’s passing Rauda. She sounded like a real dynamo! Please pass on our condolences to Thom and your family.

Robert & Barbara Behan (Family friends)

Entered May 9, 2020 from Tiny, Ontario

Peace and comfort will encompass you Donna, as you join 'Chief', to continue your journey together again. Your loving demeanour was felt by all of us who had the privilege of knowing you. Our heartfelt condolences go out to George, Rauda and Leo and their families during this difficult and sad time.
Rest in Peace Donna,
Much love,
Bob and Barb Behan

Michael Rautins (Grandson)

Entered May 9, 2020 from Los Angeles, CA

Raspberry picking, bedtime stories and barley soup. Grandma was an original who filled my mind with memories of a childhood steeped in nature, nurture and life’s simple pleasures. Thank you. Give Chief my love.

David Cox (Friend)

Entered May 9, 2020 from Trumbull, CT USA

That was a really nice obit notice., Rauda. 'Brings me back to my first visit to 179 Keele Street back in '75.

If you're fortunate and blessed, this is what happens; you see your parents through the twilight of their lives. They wouldn't have it any other way.

But it's truly unfortunate that the circumstances with which we're currently coping are interfering with your expression of grief. I've very sorry that you have to endure that.

'Best to you & yours,
DC

Photos 

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