Obituary of MARIA PEREIRA

MARIA PEREIRA

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Maria de Fatima Pereira passed away on January 7, 2024 at the age of 87.

She is predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Manuel, her parents Diamantina and Jose, brothers Manuel and Jose. She is survived by her children, Octavio, Idelta (Carlos), Ana (Emanuel), her grandchildren, Marla, (Fabian) Marcus, (Adrianna) Ryan, Cory, (Rachel) great grandchildren, Isabella, Amias, Ava, and sisters Diamantina and Mariana.

Maria was born in Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Portugal, on December 26, 1936. After attending school, she apprenticed to become a seamstress. At the age of 13 she met Manuel, who would later become her husband. They married in 1957 and started a family soon after. Manuel came to Canada in 1962, and Maria stayed in Sao Miguel raising the three children on her own, until they were reunited in Canada in 1969. Here, they built a wonderful life together. They were very involved in the Portuguese community in Winnipeg, especially the church, Immaculate Conception, and the Portuguese Banda Lira de Fatima.

Maria worked as a seamstress until her retirement. She had an eye for detail and made beautiful clothing for her family, some of which has been passed down to her great grandchildren. She was also a talented cook. Everyone looked forward to Sunday lunches at her house where delicious food was always prepared with love. Sundays were always spent with family; when Maria loved to be with her grandchildren. The home was always filled with smell of Maria’s cooking and the sounds of laugher. Christmas holidays were a special time, with Maria’s birthday falling on the 26th, the celebrations continued. The tradition of a seafood feast on her birthday continued throughout the years.

In 2018 she suffered a serious stroke. The family insisted on caring for her at home, with the assistance of Home Care (WRHA), provided exceptional care for her until the day of her passing. The family ensured that she was never left alone. She remained positive, never complained, and always considered the needs of others. She was a gentle, kind, and stoic person.

She will be deeply missed by friends, family and all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Parish, 181 Austin St N., with visitation an hour prior. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue.