Lea Kiik (NEE Siivik) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, surrounded by her immediate family and her dearest friend, Katrin. She is survived by her daughter Helvi Kiik-Jester, son Andrus Kiik, grandsons Lukas Jester and Andrew Jester, and Son-In-Law John Jester.

Lea was born October 4th, 1947 in Germany. Lea was the only daughter of Selma and Elmar Siivik. The Siiviks fled Estonia following World War II and the occupation of Soviet forces in the Baltic states. Following her birth, her family emigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada and later settled in Ontario, Canada. Lea was very much involved in the Canadian-Estonian community. Her involvement with the Toronto Estonian Folk Dance Group “Kungla” led her to travels in Canada and the U.S. East Coast and Midwest.

Lea met her late husband Peeter Kiik at the Estonian Youth Festival K.L.E.N.K. (Kesk-Lääne Eesti Noorte Koondis) in the latter part of the 1960s. They were married and settled in the Mount Washington area of Baltimore City. Daughter Helvi was born in 1970 and son Andrus in 1972.

Lea became extremely active in the Baltimore Estonian community. She served for many years in leadership positions in the Baltimore Eesti Selts (Baltimore Estonian Society) and Baltimore Eesti Maja (Baltimore Estonian House) organizations. She was instrumental in forming the Estonian folk dance group “Vanaranna”, which participated in many cultural events throughout the U.S. East Coast as well as travels to Canada and around the world. Generations of Estonian children from the Baltimore and Washington area were taught rahvatants by Lea during Baltimore Eesti Kool (Baltimore Estonian School).

Lea and Peeter could always be found at any of the events held at the Baltimore Estonian House including Jõululaat (Christmas bazaar), Emadepäev (Mother’s Day celebration), Isadepäev (Father’s Day), Vabariigi Aastapäev (Estonian Independence Day), and seafood night as well as at many cultural concerts, movies, and other Baltic-centric activities.

Lea, Peeter, and family traveled the world participating in Estonian World Culture Days in Toronto, Sweden, Australia, New York, Baltimore, and of course, Estonia.

For many years, Lea was a major supporter of the Eesti Skaudid (Estonian Boy Scouts) and Eesti Gaidid (Estonian Girl Guides) by participating in the annual summer camps at Lakewood Laager in Jackson, NJ. She could always be found helping the kitchen or serving in some other capacities. She particularly enjoyed watching her children and grandson Lukas participate in the many summer cultural and sports activities.

Lea and Peeter enjoyed traveling to Carmel by the Sea, in the San Francisco area where they enjoyed one of their favorite restaurants, The Stinking Rose. Lea also enjoyed her annual trips to Rehoboth Beach, DE where she relished her spa time.

The family will receive friends at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Saturday, January 16, 2027 from 1-2 PM with a Memorial Service to begin at 2 PM. Interment will be private.

Lea leaves behind a legacy of participation in a wide variety of Estonian events. As Estonia was near and dear to her heart, her contributions to all of these events will be sadly missed. In her memory and in lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to F.A.A.E.Y. (Federation of Associations for the Advancement of Estonian Youth), a 501(c)(3) that supports Estonian scouting. FAAEY Treasurer, P.O. Box 1107, Jackson, NJ 08527. 

Please share online condolences with the family by signing her guestbook through www.peacefulalternatives.com.