Lilita Mirdza Lukes

Lilita was my closest friend from the time we were at ballet school together in Toronto. A very intelligent, sparkling, beautiful girl, she loved animals, having fun, reading, art, music and adventure. Lilita traveled, was independent and enjoyed meeting people of different cultures and loved nothing better than discussing almost anything: she was incessantly curious and adored learning.

Later in life with health challenges Lilita devoted her time to her beloved pets, but she also delved into her cultural heritage more to discover traditional Latvian recipes, and delighted cooking and sharing meals with friends. Helping to edit a cookbook, she also quietly contacted those in need in Latvia, on the pretext of adding to cooking and folklore, but sent packages to those she found in need.

A complicated person whose sense of humour was outstanding, Lilita could be intuitive, charming, empathetic, witty, shy, yet friendly, depending upon her mood, the people around her, the circumstances, etc. She was a unique, talented spirit who wanted nothing more than peace and more equality in the world, trying in her own way to bring some light and cheer to those who needed it most. She is loved.