Lonni Terri

Lonni Terri
1926 – 2020

Our dearly loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Lonni Terri, slipped peacefully from this life, December 5, 2020, at her home of 60 years in London, Ontario, Canada. While saddened by her passing, we are full of joy knowing that she is now free from earthly cares and being greeted by family and loved ones on the other side.

Lonni was the 5th of seven children born to Juhan and Hermine Vaikla in Ruusmae, Voru, Estonia (northern Europe). She had a happy childhood, growing up on a beautiful farm with her siblings. Her youth was interrupted with the traumatic experience of World War II when she
became separated from her parents and siblings. She, along with her younger sister Vilma, endured a harrowing escape from the Soviet invasion of their homeland, fleeing first to Latvia, then moving to Germany to a displaced persons camp, and later to England. During these years Lonni volunteered and worked in various capacities for the Red Cross, an orphanage and a wool factory. Her hope had been to return to a free and independent Estonia, but that was not to be. After a few years in England Lonni emigrated to Canada, settling in London, Ontario.

In London, Lonni met the love of her life, Endel Terri, a handsome young Estonian man. She and Endel married on June 28, 1952. Their union was blessed with 6 daughters and 1 son. They were dedicated and loving parents who worked hard to provide for and care for their large family. Lonni was a devoted wife and mother who lived for her family and gave her all for them.

In 1958 Lonni and Endel became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lonni taught her children to have faith in God, to pray, to work hard, to live with integrity and to love. She served happily and faithfully in all her church responsibilities and sang in many church choirs.

Lonni’s love of her homeland Estonia was instilled in the hearts of her children. She taught them the language, the music and stories of her heritage. This love remains a significant and heartfelt part of the lives of all her posterity. One of Lonni’s greatest joys in later years was to return to Estonia to witness the restoration of its independence as a nation, visit loved ones and attend song festivals together with her children and grandchildren.

Lonni loved spring, summer and fall and spent many hours outside gardening and growing beautiful flowers. Throughout the years and until very recently, Lonni enjoyed knitting, embroidering and sewing beautiful scarves, mittens, blankets and quilt tops for her family and others in need. She also enjoyed teaching young children at the London Estonian School for several years.

Lonni loved music and had a lovely singing voice. After her children were grown, she obtained her high school diploma and became an avid reader.

Lonni has lived a long beautiful life of service and sacrifice for her family and many others. Her life was one of contentment in loving and caring for her family and home. She has been an example of faith, determination, perseverance and devotion to life’s important details of family,
faith, love of homeland and service to others.

Lonni was preceded in death by her husband Endel, her parents and brothers and sisters. Lonni is survived by her 7 children: Esther (Rob), Ingrid (Daniel), Karen (Don), Vivian (Mitch), Ruth Kai, Alice Astrid, Peter, 17 beautiful grandchildren and 18 delightful great -grandchildren.

A family funeral will be held December 12, 2020. Lonni will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Woodland Cemetery, London, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com