Maie Landra (née Kiilaspea)
July 27, 1938 – April 24, 2026
Maie Landra passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of 87, at Owen Sound Hospital. Living her final days surrounded by the land and life she built on her family farm, Koigu, in Chatsworth, Ontario. Born in Tartu, Estonia, Maie carried her heritage with her wherever she went, weaving it into every part of her life and work.
Maie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harry Landra. She is lovingly remembered by her children Karl (Rickilla), Karin, and Taiu; her grandchildren Lisanne (Jordan), Karling, Kersti (Joe), Rishi, and Jag; and her brother Enn (Ivi) Kiilaspea. She was predeceased by her parents, August Kiilaspea and Leida (nee Nelburg) Kiilaspea. Her legacy also lives on through her great-nieces and the many extended family members and friends who were touched by her life.
An artist in every sense, Maie expressed herself through many forms. A graduate of Ontario College of Art in 1960, she was also a founding member and first Vice-President of the Estonian Arts Council. Maie moved through the world with a creative eye, finding beauty and possibility everywhere she looked. Her love for trees appeared throughout every stage of her artistic life, in the pen and ink works of her collection Immortal Wood, in the tapestries that hung in her home, in her knitwear designs (Koigu Tree Sweater), and in the trees she planted across the Koigu farm. Through this, she passed on a deep and lasting love of colour and creativity to her grandchildren and great-nieces.
She was as determined as she was creative. Maie never took well to the word “no,” and spent her life charting her own path. An entrepreneur, a force, and a haggler few could outmatch, she built a life defined by resilience, vision, and independence.
Through her craft, she wove together heritage and innovation, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire. This legacy lives on through Koigu Wool Designs, where she was an early pioneer of variegated hand-dyed yarns, growing the business into a globally recognized name.
A funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Toronto on Saturday, May 2, 2026 with visitation at 11:30 a.m. followed by the service at 12:00 p.m.
A celebration of life, including a tree planting service, will take place at the Koigu Farm on July 25, 2026.
Donations may be made to the Estonian Arts Centre https://www.estoniancentre.ca/eac-home.
Maie’s life was one of colour, texture, and growth, like the trees she so lovingly planted, her roots ran deep, her branches wide, and her presence will continue to shape the landscape she leaves behind.
Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.