Joyce-Anne Soots

June 13, 1958 – June 1, 2026

Joyce was born in Englee, Newfoundland. She was the third child amongst her five wonderful siblings: Jean, Shirley, Sharon, Ron and Doreen.

Joyce moved to Toronto in the late 1970s. She became an established esthetician and hairdresser and often travelled to Florida to cut hair and also enjoy vacations. She met the love of her life, Tom, in Toronto, and they married in 1989. Joyce and Tom had their son Hans in 1990 and a few months later, they moved with Hans to Estonia.

In Estonia Joyce pursued many interests in many fields. She picked up the language and studied to become fluent in Estonian. While being involved in the family restaurant business, she became the food consultant who designed the menus and prepared much of the food. Joyce taught English in Estonia to many students of all ages, including 8 years in the local parish, A. Kitzberg high school. Joyce’s teaching followed her to Finland where she focused on both English as well as childcare. While living on the family farm, Leeli, Joyce loved to plant vegetables and fruits in her greenhouse and make many meals completely from scratch. At the age of 52 she studied to become a Holistic Nutritionist. With this credential, Joyce was able to focus on what she loved - health and healing. She practiced both Rain Drop Therapy massage as well energy healing practices in various health clinics internationally. Joyce was instrumental in turning Leeli into a bed and breakfast and she hosted many guests as well as retreats. In 2023 Joyce and Tom bought a home in Udora, Ontario. Joyce spent much of her time there in serene nature.

Joyce was a kind and loving person who always looked for the positives in any situation. She would look for hearts everywhere, taking this as a personal sign of something larger than herself. She brought light and love into all of her relationships and wherever she went. Joyce enjoyed salads and seafood above all, staying true to her Newfoundland roots. She was a wonderful wife and mother who treasured time with her family.

Joyce was a spiritual person. She was raised in the Apostolic faith. Following a few years in Estonia, Joyce also studied and became a Baha’i under the Baha’i faith and played a role in the Baha’i community. However, throughout her life Joyce primarily identified as Christian. She meditated often and found that this practice grounded her.

In her final months, Joyce was surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. She passed peacefully on the morning of June 1st, 2026, at 4:46am. Joyce will be missed dearly by everyone whose life she touched. She is survived by her husband Tom, son Hans and daughter-in-law Shailja.

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation” - Rumi