Obituary of MARIA JOSE TAVARES

Maria Jose Tavares

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother on Wednesday January 16, 2019 at Concordia Place Personal Care Home.  She was predeceased by her husband Jacinto (January 1999), her mother, father, all 8 of her siblings, several brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, two nieces and three nephews.    

Maria Jose is survived by her daughter Theresa (David), daughter Betty, and son Joseph.  Three grandchildren, Peter (Abby), Sydney and Savannah, and her precious great-grandsons Mathus, Garron and Vaughn.  Also left to mourn her passing are several brother and sister in laws, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

Maria Jose was born in Santa Barbara, Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Acores on June 27, 1936.  She was the 8^th of 9 children.  As one of the younger siblings, she became an aunt quite young in life and adored spending time with her nieces and nephews.  Shortly after the death of her mother in late 1960  Jacinto Tavares, who had immigrated to Canada in 1956 returned to San Miguel.  Maria Jose and Jacinto were married January 19, 1961 and three months later she returned with him to share in the Canadian dream.  The first 4-5 years were spent in small Northern Ontario communities with only half a dozen homes accessible only by railroad as our father worked for CN rail.  The arrival of her children in 1962, 1964 and 1965 helped her through this time.  In 1967 when it was time for the children to start school, the move was made to Winnipeg.  Determined to contribute to the family, Maria found work as a seamstress working at Winnipeg Leather for many years. Always independent and up for an adventure, she learned to speak English and was one of the first Portuguese women to obtain her driver’s license.  

Maria loved to cook and bake.  Her children and grandchildren will always have fond memories of her Massa, and her papinhas con aquela coisa.

Maria Jose was a devout Catholic and spent many years contributing not only her time but her talents to the Portuguese Parish. She encouraged both her son and years later, her grandson Peter as they became members of the Portuguese Marching Band.    

With the arrival of her grandchildren her focus changed and she spent many hours enjoying their pursuits.

After her husband passed, she surprised everyone once again by joining the Kildonan Community Seniors Center, where she eagerly took computer classes and volunteered with the lunch services. She also travelled to the Azores, across Canada and even took a cruise with nieces.   In 2011 she suffered two strokes which eventually lead her to her last home at the Concordia Place Nursing Home.  She enjoyed the company of many residents and staff even though the strokes had reverted her speech to her first language, Portuguese.  Always the fashionista, the staff enjoyed co-ordinating her outfits with her jewelery and or scarfs.   She was always up for activities, especially if they included music and desert It was also here that her great grandsons visited with their Avo.  She cherished their weekly visits.

Prayers will be said on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish 181 Austin Street N.  Interment to follow in Assumption Cemetery.