Obituary of MARIA JOSÉ DO CARMO BARRETO

MARIA JOSÉ DO CARMO BARRETO
January 5, 1930 - February 1, 2022

It is with Heavy hearts that we announce the passing of  Maria Jose (Zezinha)
peacefully after a life of Dignity,Strength,Courage and hard work at the age of 92

Maria was predeceased by her loving husband and partner in life (Jack) of 65 years."Mae" Mom will forever be missed and lovingly remembered by her sons Victor (Ludi), Jack (Audrey), her grandchildren Antonio, David (Colleen), Karina, (Ian), Kris (Wendy) and great grandchildren Brandon, Nicolao, Owen, Esther, Iver. She will be lovingly remembered by numerous family members, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Canada, Portugal and the United States.

Maria, the youngest of two sisters Otilia dos Santos Ramos and Maria Baptista Ramos, a brother Valdemiro Ramos Barros was born and raised in Algarve, Portugal.
In 1963 she joined her husband in Canada, realizing an opportunity to start a new life and better future for her young family. They became part of a growing Portuguese community in Winnipeg and sponsored her brother and niece to join them.
She instilled her strong work ethic and zest for life in all who were close to her.....
Her passion and entrepreneurial spirit provided her with rewarding opportunities...

Maria expressed her love through her attention to Detail....
Together her and husband gave her Sons (Victor/Jack ) strength, wisdom, encouragement and support.
You could always count on big celebrations at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and Birthdays with uncles, aunts, cousins, extended families and grandchildren.
Holiday Celebrations always had to be celebrated on the exact date of, there was never any exceptions.
She was always very proud in having her family over with the perfect setting.
She loved gatherings with her Family with engaging stories of the smells and tastes of her mother's meals. And that how she became an Amazing cook.
Some of our favorites were her Pork&Clams or Rabbit Stew in white sauce. She took pride in baking her Easter Bread with amazing brandy and cinnamon or the traditional Portuguese Christmas pastries.
And all kids/grandchildren went home with some. It was her pride and Joy!
She was a devoted wife, mother, loving, caring and an amazing cook.

Her Love of Gardening and hatred of weeds was outstanding.....
Her flowers, vegetables and especially her herbs were beautiful and above average
thanks to hard work and pride!

If you knew Maria you knew she loved to travel with her partner in life. They enjoyed their trips to Mexico, Hawaii, across Canada or back to their home town in Algarve, Portugal.
She was always more than happy to get up and go. Her Life partner was the knight in shining armor right to the very end.

Although inherently shy, Maria made friends easily.
She formed special bonds with her caregivers and will be remembered with a smile.
We would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Donwood Manor for their exceptional care and genuine love and compassion for our Mom .

This obituary and Live streaming are available at the Cropo Funeral Chapel website www.cropo.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada or Donwood Manor Foundation.