Laima (Lena) Eugenia (Lelis) Brakas

Laima (Lena) Eugenia (Lelis) Brakas peacefully passed away on October 7, 2024 at St. Joseph's hospital in Toronto. She had courageously fought various complications stemming from her hiatus hernia and breathing difficulties. Her unwavering strength and stamina carried her through repeated hospitalizations and operations over the last 4 years. Each time she had a setback, she proved doctors and specialists wrong and bounced back with vigour out of her bed. She was a true testament of the power of the human spirit. At the heart of her determination was always her equally remarkable daughter, Rita. Although they were not in a position to visit each other much in recent years, they often spoke/video chatted and reminded each other of what is truly important in life......and also of what was on the menu that evening (Laima was very inquisitive about food). Laima had an incomparable spirit, energy, and wit. She told stories of escaping the war with such passion and excitement. Yet she could change the tone seamlessly and have you chuckling the next moment. Her exuberance shone through even more when she spoke of nature or animals. She was very fond of trees and spent hours watching a very special white pine tree grow outside her window. She had many "Fluffy" cats in her life, but in recent years she had a family dog (she would often forget his name and affectionately called him "Poochie") visit her often. He always recognized her warmth and would jump up on her bedside. She would always welcome him, rubbing his paw, and feeding him treats. The joy which animals brought her was quite evident. If she had her way, she would have had owls and polar bears living with her. Laima was a stout Catholic, attending mass regularly with her brother, Jonas or her nephew, Danius. She was respected by many within the congregation and beloved by the clergy. She sang in the Lithuanian Parish choir on College Street for many years. Her love of music was displayed by her piano playing and her love of classical and country music. Unsurprisingly, the final words out of her mouth were "Hank Williams". Laima was born in Taurage, Lithuania on June 6, 1934 to Petras and Genovaite Lelis. She was able to overcome personal health issues at a young age and literally dodge bullets to arrive and live in Toronto. She moved from east Toronto to Mississauga in the west. Eventually she settled in the middle, fittingly across the street from the mature trees of High Park. She created a loving environment for her daughter, while living a simple, wholesome life. She was a testament to how we do not need to have very much to be content in life. There will be no immediate service for Laima, as other family matters get resolved. Her cremated remains will be treasured by her daughter until a Celebration of Life takes place at a later date. Laima would have appreciated any gestures of generosity to be directed toward the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ Parish (Prisikelimo Parapija, 1 Resurrection Road, Toronto).