Elsa Sofia Montero
1929 – 2025
It is with immense sadness that we share the news that, on November 24, 2025, our dearest Äiti (mother) and Mumma (grandmother) took her last earthly steps in Kitchener, Ontario, at the age of 96.
Beloved wife of the late Juan Montero (2003). They were married for over 33 years and separated by death for 22 years. Elsa and Juan are together once again.
Loving mother of Maria Kristiina Montero and mother-in-law of Jorge González. Cherished grandmother of Miguel Johannes González. Dear sister of Elvi and aunt to Susanna, Olli, Hanna-Mari, and their families in Finland. Dear sister-in-law of María and Pili, and aunt to Santi, Loli, José Antonio, Francisco, María Dolores, Manolo, Isa, Lolita, and Marcos, and their families in Spain and Switzerland.
Predeceased by her parents, Taimi Eveliina and Niilo Johannes (Jussi), and her sister, Elna, and Juan’s sister, Lola, and brother, Antonio.
Elsa was born in Nurmo, Finland, and began her career as a kotitalousopettaja (home economics teacher). She lived in Coín, Spain, for nearly three years, where she met the love of her life, Juan. After returning to Finland, Elsa and Juan wrote letters to each other for seven years before deciding to immigrate to Canada, settling in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1969. Elsa was an active member of Agricola Finnish Lutheran Church (Toronto). She spearheaded the Perinteen Vaalijat-Guardians of Tradition—a group of women dedicated to collecting stories about traditional Finnish arts and crafts as told by Finnish immigrants to Canada. The final edits to this collection of stories are nearly finished, with publication scheduled for 2026. Elsa was also a founding member of the Asociación Cultural Hispanica (Kitchener), which established the Spanish Heritage Language School, now operating under the International Languages Program (WCDSB). She was a member of the Waterloo Potters Workshop, where she made beauty from clay, one of earth’s traditional building blocks. In recent years, with a hook and yarn, Elsa continued to crochet her love into many blankets, shawls, and bags.
Surrounded by her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, The Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry blessed Elsa’s earthly remains at St. Mary’s General Hospital (WRHN) according to Lutheran liturgical traditions, a faith Elsa prayed, sang, and lived daily. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass (Spanish language) will be held at St. John’s RC Church, 85 Strange Street, Kitchener, located across the street from the home she built with Juan. The Mass will occur on Finland’s Independence Day, Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the church hall. Elsa will be laid to rest beside her husband and parents in Nurmo, Finland, next summer when the day and night are filled with light.
Elsa will be deeply missed by Rocio (Jorge’s mother), Montse and Xavi (Jorge’s sister and brother-in law) and all relatives in Barcelona, Spain.
Elsa loved flowers. As expressions of sympathy, buy a loved one flowers and deliver them with a hug in Elsa’s honour. Donations may also be made to Agricola Finnish Lutheran Church, Project Linus Canada, or to a charity of your choice.
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