December 27, 1929 – August 6, 2024
Biruta “Ruth” Laimdota Dambergs went to be with her heavenly father on August 6, 2024, in Midland, Ontario. She was born Biruta Laimdota Priedītis in Rīga, Latvia on December 27, 1929, to parents Martinš and Matilda Priedītis along with her younger brother Raymonds Priedītis.
Biruta was a loving Daughter, Sister, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She was displaced from Rīga, Latvia during WWII at the age of 14. Enduring the hardships of labour camps, losing her home and part of her family during her teenage years was a defining time in her life that would go on to influence the entirety of it. By the end of the war, Biruta found herself in Darwen, Lancashire, England where she worked in a weaving mill. It was there where she would meet her husband Sigurds Dambergs.
Biruta married Sigurds on September 17, 1950, at the age of 20. Soon after she would give birth to her two twin daughters, Ināra and Anita Dambergs on April 17, 1951. In 1958, Biruta moved to Canada with what remained of her family, settling in the neighborhood of Willowdale, in the district of North York.
During her time in Canada, she worked as a cashier at GEM for over 10 years before retiring. After retiring she moved to Elmvale, Ontario with her husband, Sigurds, where they lived out the remainder of their lives until he would eventually pass in March 2014, and she eventually followed over a decade later on August 6, 2024.
Biruta is survived by her two daughters Anita Woods, and Ināra Elksnitis. Her Grandchildren Erik Woods, Jennifer Woods, Brent Woods, and Aleksandrs Elksnitis. As well as her Great Grandchildren, Liam Woods, Charlotte Woods, and Quinn Woods.
Biruta was an active and faithful Lutheran. She was a tenacious woman; born into a farming family, she would never shy away from a hard day’s work. Biruta was a passionate gardener, cook, angler, and seamstress – as well as a prolific reader who enjoyed puzzles.
A viewing was held on August 9, 2024 prior to the cremation at Peaceful Transition in Barrie, Ontario. A private service will be held at York Cemetery in Toronto, Ontario at a later date.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca