Obituary of Maria Bettencourt

MARIA GERMANA BETTENCOURT With a heavy heart we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of our beloved mother on December 24, 2010 at home. Mom was born October 17, 1932 in the village of Rosais, Sao Jorge, Azores, Portugal. She arrived in Winnipeg along with her family on December 15, 1969 to begin a new and better life in Canada for her family. Her husband Fernando passed away 7 years ago and he was missed by all especially our mother. She persevered and continued to host family gatherings for her children and grandchildren regularly. She leaves behind her children John (Maria), Jose (Clara), Emanuel (Ana), Jacinta (Paul), Lucia (Trevor); grandchildren Cynthia, Alyssa, Ashley, Nelson, Carmen, Matthew, Marla, Marcus, Lyra and David. Mom was predeceased by her husband Fernando, three brothers, Germano, John, Manuel and her parents John and Mariana. She along with her husband worked hard in Portugal but they both believed that coming to Canada was the place to make a better life for their family. Mom worked in various jobs to support her family, even with lower wages she could always stretch the dollar a little more. She was a courageous and kind person all her life. In her later years she helped with raising her grandchildren and as they grew up she always supported their studies and turned to prayer to guide them. Mom believed that a strong family was essential and she worked hard to keep peace and goodwill between all family members. In the last 2 years mom's health declined but she persisted with keeping her garden, house and her beloved pets. Even in the last few days before Christmas she prepared food for the family gathering. Dear Mom we will miss you incredibly but we will never forget your love, guidance, strength and leadership. We could not have asked for a better mother and we thank God for His gift. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all her friends who phoned her frequently and neighbors on Furby Street for being so kind and supportive. We will miss you beyond words. Though mother loved flowers we gratefully decline and ask that if desired a donation can be made to Holy Names House of Peace, 211 Edmonton Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1R4 or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Prayers will be held on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed John XXIII Parish, 3390 Portage Avenue, with Rev. Msgr. Maurice Comeault P.H. and Rev. Fr. Gerald Langevin officiating. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality" Romans 12:12,13 Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street 586-8044