Kaarin was born in Toronto, lived a couple of years in Helsinki, Finland (1965-1967) and later attended the Toronto French School. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) as well as the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia. Kaarin specialized in graphic design, textile design, papermaking and print making. She exhibited in a couple of exhibitions in Toronto.
Kaarin was very active in the Estonian community. She was an assistant teacher at the Estonian Society Kindergarten, a member of the Estonian Guides, and a member of the all female Jaaniku singing ensemble. She also was a member of the St. Peter’s Church youth choir Lootus. Together with Kalle Naelapea they published a youth literary journal.
Kaarin also enjoyed preparing French gourmet cooking. Intrigued by Alice Moora’s old Estonian farm recipes, Kaarin often baked Estonian rye bread and a specialty fresh cheese (sõer).
