We commemorate with great sadness our honorary member Nora Toots.
Her language skills and interest in languages had a beginning in her early childhood, as she grew up in Petseri where it was considered normal at that time that all the children were fluent in both Estonian and Russian. Her parents put her into a German kindergarten, and the English language came into her life when the family moved to Pärnu. Then she had to learn during one summer what the others had acquired within two years, and she passed the test without any mistakes.
When she entered the university, she chose English as her speciality, although she was also interested in music and art. As a provincial girl, she was not intimidated that her competitors at the entrance exams were the daughters of that time’s celebrities. After graduation, a long language teaching career followed at several schools and the University of Tartu, and private students kept coming to her home almost until the end of her life.
We will remember Nora for her endless energy, willpower, perseverance, self-confidence and good humour. She was extremely hardworking and made her students work hard as well. She was greatly honoured and loved by her students. Even in advanced age, she found strength to pursue her numerous hobbies.
Nora was among the founding members of EATE and one of the first interviewees for the “Teachers’ Teacher” column in our magazine Open! We entitled the interview “The Lady Who Never Sleeps” as she managed to stay fresh with only two hours of sleep per night.
We will retain bright memories of Nora Toots, of her kindness and enthusiasm.
