Eha Rist

Mrs. Eha Rist passed away on September 12, 2025 in Venice, FL. She was 105 years old. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Paul Rist and her daughter, Tiiu Rist Puzas.

Eha led a long and interesting life. She and her husband fled Estonia in 1944 to escape the advancing Soviet Red Army and its occupation of their country during World War II. Along with 80,000 Estonians they emigrated to Germany settling in Ulm. This “Great Flight” was an effort to avoid the Soviet occupation and possible deportation to Siberia. The escape was a perilous journey where a number of Estonians lost their lives.

Their daughter, Tiiu, was born in 1947 in Ulm, Germany. Eventually the family moved to the United States settling in Syracuse, NY. It was in Syracuse that Dr. Rist established a thriving family practice with Eha assisting as a nurse. After about 30 years, Dr. and Mrs. Rist moved to Venice, Fl. Their daughter married Dr. Edward Puzas in 1978 and remained in Rochester, NY.

Eha was an active member of the Estonian community in Western NY. She frequently hosted and participated in gatherings of friends and family. She was an excellent cook. Her version of pirukas, gulumpki, verivorst, borscht, herring and others were always a treat. Eha loved to travel. She and her daughter and son-in-law made frequent trips throughout Florida, from the west coast to the east coast to the Florida Keys.

Eha was a kind soul. She was loved by many, she loved her family and friends, and she had a fond place in her heart for her furry canine buddies..

Rest in peace, Eha.