Obituary of MARIA DO CÉU SIMÕES DELGADO

MARIA DO CEU SIMOES DELGADO On December 17, 2011 the angels of heaven came for our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Maria do Ceu Simoes Delgado. Maria will be lovingly remembered by her loving husband of 63 years, Rafael Delgado and her four beloved children who meant the world to her: Americo (Elvira), Maria Gracinda (Albino), Fernanda (Jose Alberto) who resides in Portugal and Jose Luis (Maria Luisa). She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Lucy (Paulo), Elizabeth (Michael), Paulo (Livia), Daniel (Francesca), Crystal (Paulo) who resides in Portugal, Gabriel (Fiancée Michelle), Catarina (Fiancé Greg), Silvia, Nilton and 4 great-grandchildren, Monica, Marcus, Emma and Mateo. Along with her immediate family Maria leaves behind her brother Americo (Isaura) Simoes and sister-in-laws, Maria da Luz Simoes, and in Portugal Fernanda Simoes, brother-in-law Manuel Marques, Ricardo Delgado (Maria do Rosario). She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews here in Winnipeg and in Portugal. She was predeceased by her parents Conceicao and Jose Simoes, brothers Luis, Ricardo, Roque and sister Lurdes, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. Maria was born on September 20, 1922 in Granja, Amendoa, Portugal. She came to Canada in 1967 and worked in the garment industry until she retired. Maria lived a full and happy life. She loved her family more than anything in the world. Her husband was the love of her life and best friend; there was nothing they would not do for the happiness of each other. She cherished family times and enjoyed hosting her friends and family when they came to visit both here and in Portugal. In Portugal she would always get excited to show her house, the chapel she got married in and her little town where she grew up. From her retirement until 2007, Maria and her husband would always spend their summers in Portugal and looked forward to entertaining anyone who came by. She was most happy when one of the children or grandchildren would come and visit. She was a very private person who remained independent until recently. She enjoyed doing all of her house-hold chores and working on her vegetable and flower gardens. She was so proud of her beautiful flowers and her gigantic collard greens. Maria was always ready and willing to share the fruits of her garden with anyone who asked. Sometimes, she would make little care bags and leave them at friends’ doors for them to enjoy the fresh vegetables. Maria loved Jesus, God and our Holy Mother of heaven. She also had a special place in her heart for Nossa Senhora das Necessidades. She found comfort in prayer and the rosary and in the love and promises of Jesus. She attended every religious event whenever possible and said the rosary faithfully every night with her husband. When Maria was not saying the rosary, she would wear it around her neck, close to her heart. Through her difficult year of illness Maria was always patient, loving, understanding, strong and accepting of what the future held for her. Her Thank You and smiles to all who visited her made every one feel loved by her when they left. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the visitors who brought comfort and kind words to Maria. A Special thank you to the staff at Misericordia Health Centre (Cedar Grove) and at Saint Joseph’s Residence for their compassionate care. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 181 Austin Street North. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church with Rev. Fr. José Eduardo Medeiros presiding. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Ave. Descanse em Paz querida esposa, mãe, avó e bisavó!