With broken hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, Erna Karolina Thoma. She passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, surrounded by her entire family in her 93rd year.

Erna was the cherished wife of Hans for 56 devoted years, until his passing in 2018. She was a loving and proud mother to Marita Anthony (Richard), Theresa Thoma (Mitchell Cross), and Peter Thoma (Jenny O'Donnell), and a devoted Oma to James Anthony, Annelise, Kate, and Aidan Cross, as well as Niamh and Kai Thoma. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Christa and Maria, and many extended family members in Germany.

Erna will forever be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. More than a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Erna was the heart of our family. A guiding light, she brought us together with her gentle strength, quiet grace, and unconditional love.

She had a rare gift: the ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cherished. Erna reminded us all that love doesn’t need to be loud to be deeply felt. Her legacy is one of compassion, generosity, and a deep-rooted sense of family—a legacy that will continue in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.

Her home was always full of life, filled with the laughter of loved ones, the aroma of fresh coffee and cake, and a chair always pulled out for anyone who needed a place to rest, a listening ear, or a moment of comfort.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find solace knowing she is reunited with our beloved Papa, continuing to watch over us with her ever-gentle smile.

Friends are invited to visit Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, on Friday, May 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 480 Rathburn Road, on Saturday, May 3, at 10:00 a.m.

Our family is deeply grateful to the staff at Sunnybrook’s Trauma and ICU departments. In memory of Erna, donations may be made to support these units. Online condolences may be shared through the Turner & Porter website.