A post mortem examination has found Joanna Nowakowska, 38, killed her daughter, four-year-old Bianca Nowakowska, before killing herself.
The two were found at their Mooregate Crescent townhouse in Kitchener by a relative on Monday around 8:30 p.m.
Waterloo Region police say the ongoing police investigation, along with the autopsy, show the girl's death was due to "the intentional actions of her mother."
Waterloo Regional Police Insp. Kevin Thaler says "The mother did take the life of her child and then died of self-inflicted wounds."
The family has asked that the details of the deaths remain private.
No suspects are being sought in the investigation, but anyone with information on the deaths is asked to contact police at 519-650-8500 Ext. 8866 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Remembering those lost
On Wednesday, Tamara Nowakowska, Joanna's elder daughter and Bianca's sister, recalled happier times with her family.
In a statement she described her sister as a "happy and loving girl" and her mother as "the best mom in the world."
The deaths have also brought attention to the issue of suicide.
According to the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council there are nearly 4,000 suicide deaths in Canada each year, more than 1,000 in Ontario.
In 2010, the Waterloo Regional Police Service responded to 1,045 suicide attempts in the regin.
Counsellors stress family and friends should talk to their loved one if they show signs of suicidal behaviour, like sudden moodiness, suicide threats or giving away personal belongings.
Cecil Kuwabara, acting director at Mosaic Counselling and Family Services, says "When they talk to friends or family members they realize there are other options, often options that they never even thought about themselves.
The visitation for Joanna and Bianca will take place Friday at the Westmount Funeral Home and a funeral is being held Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Kitchener.
