age 83, passed away surrounded by her family, at St. Joseph’s Hospital Elliot Lake, on Friday March 17th, 2023.
Viivi is predeceased by her parents Maria and Kristjan, her sister Hilja Tirrul and brother Hans.
Viivi is survived by her loving husband of over 61 years, Ernie Tiessen and was the proud mother of Paul and Eric, and caring grandmother of Emma, Jacques, Ben and Evi. She is also survived by her sister Aino Leilop.
Born in Pärnu county, Estonia in 1939, she fled the country with her family during WWII, first as a refugee in Germany, and then as a displaced person in the United Kingdom. Her family emigrated to Canada and settled in Renabie, Ontario when she was 13 years old.
Viivi was bright, insightful, and thoughtful. She met her husband Ernie in Sudbury, where she completed her training to become a Registered Nurse, and where they married and started a family. After spending a few years working in Kitchener, the Tiessen family returned to northern Ontario to settle in Elliot Lake, where she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital for over 20 years.
Viivi enjoyed traveling to warm climates, cherished her Labrador Retrievers and was an avid reader, fabulous cook, gifted sewer, embroiderer, and crafter. She loved the lakes and landscape of northern Ontario and could often be found accompanying Ernie and their dog on a trail walk. She was the kind of Grandma that baked cookies and kept ice cream in the fridge. She always handwrote notes in a card and had one for all occasions. She will be so missed.
A special thank you to the nursing teams at the hospital for caring so compassionately for one of their own. Thanks to Dr. Nelson.
Interment at Woodlands Cemetery in Elliot Lake will take place in the spring. If desired, donations to the St. Joseph’s Foundation in Elliot Lake in Viivi’s memory are appreciated.
Expressions of sympathy to the Tiessen family may be made at www.elliotlakefuneralchapel.com