Tiina Stewart (nee Veltmann)
It is with the deepest of sorrows and the most gut-wrenching of pains that our families announce that on Monday January 25th, 2021, Tiina Stewart (nee Veltmann) passed away suddenly after a short yet courageous fight due complications from cancer at the age of 32.
Tiina was the epitome of every characteristic that made someone good. Except she was better than good, because she was the absolute best of the best. Genuine kindness and unconditional love poured out of every fiber of her being. Her beautiful and never-ending laugh could make the most crotchety of people smile. And the way she sneezed! God – if her laughing didn’t work, the little PINGS as she sneezed 5, 6, 7 times in a row would have you howling with laughter. And then she would start laughing, and then all of a sudden the vicinity was filled with the most beautiful sound of pure happiness.
This devastating loss is felt all throughout Canada and the world because while she was the middle child of the Veltmann kids, she was unofficially adopted and claimed as their own almost instantly by so many individuals and families. Whether it be in elementary school over sharing meatballs, in high school after finding the perfect group of girls to hang out with, while helping out families in Tremblant, or just travelling the world, everyone knew that their lives would be better if they retained just a tiny ounce of the goodness that was Tiina.
Tiina will be forever remembered by her amazing husband Greg and their beautiful baby daughter Annika. Greg, who loved Tiina with everything he had and was just perfect for her. And Annika, who has her mom’s mischievous glint and her affectionate personality. Tiina’s parents Tonis and Ulle (Visnap) Veltmann, and her brothers and sisters, Liis (James), Peeter (Stephanie), Linda (Nick), and Carl Martin are absolutely devastated by this loss. Greg’s parents Bob and Janet, and his brother Chad (Kristen) and sister Nina (Rich) are heartbroken. Her Emme-emme, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and families from far and wide are grief-stricken, but will do everything in their power to ensure that Tiina and Greg’s sweet daughter will know every bit of who her mother was. But they’ll wait to tell the stories of debauchery and questionable fun until Annika is a lot older, so maybe when she’s 30? But Annika will know to the depths of her soul how much her mom loved her.
Her nieces and nephews will always be told about their amazing aunt Tiina, but even on beautiful days, it won’t be the same sunshine because aunt Tiina is no longer here. Owen, Cameron, and Emily (Liis & James), Henri (Linda & Nick), Olive & Maisie (Chad & Kristen), and Alexandria & Mackenzie (Nina & Rich) will have to sneak their own treats, make jokes at inappropriate times, and find some other willing adult to get them all the stuff their parents said no to.
We are so grateful for all the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Bridgepoint Family Health Team, Michael Garron Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, Mount Sinai, and Toronto General for giving us all the days, hours, minutes, and seconds with Tiina these last couple of months. These moments will get us through the darkest of days, and your valorous efforts to make sure Annika had her mom for as long as possible will forever be remembered. But we want more. We want more moments. We want our Tiina.
At this moment, we don’t have information about memorial services, but every message of condolence as well as the massive outpouring of support is making this devastating time just a bit more bearable.
When it’s again safe to do so, and the winter is fading, go sit on a edge of a pier, watch the sunset disappear, and drink a beer.
Tiina – We’ll love you forever. Even when we can’t.
Offer Condolence for the family of Tiina Stewart (nee Veltmann)
Steven Gedeon
The world has truly lost a shining light for good. Tiina made a profound impact on the world through her role at Enactus. Her “job” was far more than just something that made money for her and her family – she helped people in need and students across Canada change the world for the better. She helped empower people in need through the positive power of entrepreneurship. We will all miss her and the wonderful influence she had on others.
Mary Ellen Shannon
While I only got to know Tiina in the last year through our babies, this is as big a loss as any for me. Tiina stands for so many things in my eyes. A new mother, a highly proactive person, a generous and thoughtful person, an endlessly energetic person who gives her all to everything she does and everyone she interacts with. Just seeing her with Annika, you could tell she would have walked through fire for her, for any of our little ones in the group. She was a living angel then and a true angel now. Taking her rightful spot next to God, watching over us all.
Tiina, I will hold dear all the little reminders of you, Clodagh will hold dear the teddy you gave her every night as she sleeps, and we will strive to keep your memory alive by retelling your stories, revisiting your pictures and treasuring all of the gifts you left us. A million times thank you for your time spent with us, the last hours were not easy for you and your strength will inspire more than you will ever know.
Love, Mary, Clodagh and Kevin.
Lembitu Ristsoo
Uskumatult kurb kuulda Tiina meie hulgast lahkumist.
Südamlikud kaastunded peredele.
Olgu tal muld kerge.
Ron and Juanita
I know that we will always have Tinna close to our hearts . With her precocious laugh and flashing Blue eyes . Whenever we went camping I would start with the tent , cooler , Tinna and on from there . We are all better for having her in our Lives . You will be sorely missed !
We Love You !! Ron and Juanita
Elle
I bow down in front of incredible Life of Tiina….forever Alive in the hearts of family & friends
Elle
Theresa Lockett
TInna, you entered into the heart and soul of everyone that you met. Your smile, your hugs, your laughter, your grace and kindness…you will forever be in my heart and soul.
My tears are of sadness for all you leave behind, especially little Annika and Greg, and for the time taken way from you. But my tears are also of remembering you…the sheer joy of seeing you with Annika, the joy you gave to this world, to all of humanity. We all loved you so dearly…I know you are right here and that you will take care of all of us from heaven; our guardian angel Tiina.
With deepest sympathy to all of Tiinas loved ones, Greg, her Mom and Dad, her sisters and brother, neices and nephews and of course her newest JOY, Annika, P10 and the rest of the world far and wide.
Tiina may not be here, but she is not gone, as her LOVE lives on in all of us.
Love Terry Lockett and family
Jane Siklos
Tiina was a beloved member of the team at York Heritage/Toronto Carpet Factory and will be remembered as a kind, funny, vibrant co-worker. We’ll miss her terribly. We’ve heard from tenants and other colleagues, most notably members of the LVBIA, who are also feeling this tremendous loss. We dropped the flag at the Carpet Factory to half-mast last week in honour of Tiina. We extend our deepest sympathy to Tiina’s family and friends, and especially to Greg and Annika.
Melissa
I had to pleasure to meet Tiina on my maternity leave last year. I would look forward to our weekly Withrow park hangs with our babies, where we could share baby tips (and get updates on her reno plans!). I was amazed at how much energy she had: always on lookout for a great deal and driving around town to get them, or making the most of the lockdown by spending as much time outdoors as possible with dear Annika, who loved to people watch. A fun memory that I have of her is when she went all out for our babies’ socially distant Halloween park party. She got to the park early to claim a table, set up all the decoration and even prepared individual charcuterie plates for the moms and loot bags for the babies. In the short time that I’ve known her, she’s shown me what a kind, optimistic and generous soul she is. I will miss you and all the future get-togethers we were looking forward to having… Love, Melissa (with baby D)
Julie Kaye
Tiina was a highly valued member of the Board of Management for the BIA in Liberty Village. Tiina volunteered on several Committees and her contributions, enthusiasm and dedication to our community was really to be admired. She donated food, advised on matters that affected the community, accepted awards, and attended several events. We were fortunate to be able to see Tiina and Annika over the last year as they attended our Zoom meetings. We will be gathering stories and photos to share at a later time. We miss her terribly. We offer our deepest sympathies to Greg and Annika and to all her family and friends.
Ginny Lovering
Tiina has been our lives since she met my daughter in grade 10 and they became fast friends. Tiina brought light and sunshine and laughter to every situation. Generous, kind, fun, expressive, and loving to everyone she met, Tiina touched the lives of whoever crossed her path.
When I was taxiing the teenagers around in my car, I knew that if Tiina was in the back seat, calling out directions or the “best route,” we would get to our destination safely. When I got my first GPS, I nicknames it “Tiina.”
Tiina was a bridesmaid in Steph’s wedding, and her project-management skills got a good test! During the day, she kept us all on schedule, including the 2 little flower girls, and made the day of preparation a lot of fun. At the end of the reception, when everyone was collecting their belongings to head home, Tiina started the tear down. The venue was sorted and tidied and all our goods were packed in our car before the rest of us got off our chairs! When it was her turn to be married, she invited all of her friends’ parents, and I got to see her on her wedding day. And I have never eaten so much delicious food in one sitting!
Then she had her beautiful baby girl, who looks just like her and laughs and sparkles just like her mom. Last summer, Tiina brought Annika over to visit Steph and Max and me, and I wish she had come every day! We miss her and send our deepest love and condolences to Greg and Annika during this time of loss. We miss her and yet we will carry her in our hearts and minds always.
Fernando Gomes
My deepest condolences to you and your family will never forget you my beautiful friend 🙏🙏🙏🕊🕊🕊