It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Gaibisels (nee Kikkas) in her 97th year. She was surrounded by loved ones.

Linda was born in Valga, Estonia on March 21, 1925. During WWII, at the age of 19, as she was heading for home, her local train was re-routed and she was made to leave her homeland. Linda did secretarial work in Germany for the United Nations Relief organization UNRRA during the war. She met and married Anthony Gaibisels in Leicester, England and they had their first child there. They ventured together across the Atlantic to Toronto, Canada, to make a new life in a new land. Linda was co-founder of Elm Cove Cottages on Georgian Bay in 1958, where many families have since created happy memories for over 60 years. Linda was a valued employee at Simpsons and at Birks, staying well past the “leaving” time of most employees. She delighted in doing her utmost best in helping customers. Starting off in the prenatal ward and excelling in the gift shop, Linda was honoured for her 40 years of service as an active volunteer at Women's College Hospital.

Linda was a dedicated mother to her three children, Peter, Christine (Tom Calhoun) and Tina (Vytas Gataveckas). She was proud to be the grandmother of Caitlin, Jessica (Ted Beadle) and Katrina, who will miss her very much. All who knew her remember her laughter and playful nature, her love of food and baking, her sharp minded zest for card playing, her love of her homeland, her joyful greeting of a bird on a branch and for the way she brought people together.

Linda passed after one week of being in palliative care at the Salvation Army’s Toronto Grace Hospital, where she received compassionate and loving care. This organization held a special place in her heart for their help in the years after the war. Linda was blessed to have had wonderful care at home and we are grateful for the PSWs, home nurses, doctors and many people who helped and cared for her.

At her request, her ashes will be laid to rest peacefully with her family in Estonia.

Donations may be made in Linda’s name to Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. (A link to the donation website may be found under the donations tab in the top right corner of the website)