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Fernanda Lourdes DeSousa
Fernanda Lourdes DeSousa
Obituary
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Fernanda DeSousa Obituary
Fernanda immigrated to Canada with her three young daughters in 1962 to reunite with her beloved husband, Manuel, in London, Ontario. Fernanda was a dedicated parishioner of Holy Cross Church and became a proud Canadian Citizen in 1967. Fernanda was a loving wife to Manuel for 54 years, a devoted mother of five and an adoring grandmother of nine. Fernanda was a loyal and caring friend to all of her family and friends.
Fernanda will be forever sorrowfully missed by her husband Manuel Bernard DeSousa and children Fernanda DeSousa, Lorena Gheller (Dario), Maria “Mana” Lindsay(Scott), Dennis DeSousa (Margaret), Dorothy Bishop (Mike) and grandchildren Rob, Candice, Adam, Tyler, Jeff, A.J., Dylan, Stephanie and Darek.
Fernanda enjoyed traveling to Portugal to be with her family and friends in Salga each summer. Fernanda loved to sing, dance and laugh and always enjoyed her time surrounded by those who she loved. Fernanda’s faith in God brought comfort to her during her illness and gave her peace.
Predeceased by her brothers Manuel and her sisters Adeline, Alda and Alda.
Visitors will be received in the O’Neil Funeral Home, 350 William St., on Friday from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Holy Cross Church (Hamilton Rd. & Elm) on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery.
The DeSousa family would like to sincerely thank the Palliative Care team at LHSC Victoria Campus for assisting them in ensuring Fernanda’s last days with us were in comfort.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
41 Entries
Lisa DeSousa
July 5, 2009
Tia,
I thought of you yesterday. I always remember celebrating my birthday in Canada and you always making me feel as special as one can be on their day. I miss you a little more every day; and although use your strength to carry on- some days are harder than others.
I miss your smile and the laughter that was so contagious that we didn't have much of a choice to join in. The singing that we all did at uncle Gary's when we came to visit, the versus that came from your lips would make anyone blush.
I miss the family get togethers, that always made the house so small, but we never felt as though it took away from the laughter and the memories I will carry for the rest of my life.
I love and miss you always,
Your niece,
Lisa
Karine Reimer
June 24, 2009
Dear Mana and all your family,
A mother is a daughter's best friend and role model and I offer you my sympathies for the loss of your mother,
Sincerely,
Lorena Gheller
June 20, 2009
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. "I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
Larry Steinberg
June 19, 2009
Mana and Family
My sincerest condolences on your loss.
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Fernanda de Sousa
June 16, 2009
Mana....you always seem to say the right things....Mom will always be around us always.....I wouldn't have it any other way......miss your phone calls mom saying if I wanted any soup for supper......LOVE YOU MOM and MISS YOU MORE!!!
Mana Lindsay
June 14, 2009
On behalf of the DeSousa family, I would like to first start off by thanking everyone here for the support you have shown us through this difficult time and throughout the past several months as our Mother battled with Cancer.
It was only 4 ½ years ago, that we stood surrounding our Mother and Father as they celebrated and renewed their marriage vows on their 50th Anniversary. As we stood and watched our parents look at each other as they vowed to continue to love and honour each other for the rest of their days, we gazed upon them with teary eyes and celebrated their joy along with family and friends.
Today we gather once again in front of our family and friends with teary eyes as we mourn the loss of our dear Mother and try to find the strength to console our Father who is suffering the loss of his wife, partner and the love of his life.
Over the years, our Family grew as we all took on our partners and were blessed with our own children. Our Mother opened up her heart to them with unconditional love and devotion.
Mom was always grateful to Danny for giving her 3 wonderful grandsons. Mom loved Dario’s creativity, strength and devotion to his family. Mom loved Scott’s compassion and his ability to love. Mom loved Margaret for coming into Dennis’ life and bringing him happiness after so many years. Mom loved Mike’s quite and caring nature.
Mom Grandchildren meant the world to her. Robbie’s playful nature, Candice’s self assurance, Adam’s quiet strength, Tyler’s compassion, Jeff’s loyalty, A.J’s wittiness, Dylan’s determination, Stephanie’s free spirit and Darek’s affection.
Our Mother loved to be surrounded by her family and friends both here in Canada and in Portugal each summer. She loved to entertain. Mom loved to be home for Christmas so she could enjoy the holiday with her children and grandchildren, family and friends. Throughout the years, Christmas became a DeSousa Family tradition. Grandchildren’s Christmas plays, Children singing fa la la la la and Rudolf the red nose reindeer are memories that we will always cherish. Watching Mom and Dad don Santa hats while calling our names to “come on down” never grew old.
Our Mother lives on in all of us and she will always be apart of who we are.
You just have to look at Fernanda to see Mom’s determination.
Look at Lorena, you will see Mom’s sense of humour and kind heart.
If you look at me, you will see Mom’s strength.
Look at Dennis and you will see Mom’s compassion.
Look at Dorothy and you will see Mom’s zest for life.
When you look at us…you will see our Mom.
We are our Mother’s Children.
Gwen Hutchison
June 12, 2009
Dennis and family ...
Thinking of you and your family with thoughts and prayers.
Pat Pilgrim
June 12, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cathy Hutchison-Scott
June 12, 2009
Such sad news ... I think of the good times we had many many years ago at New Years Eve Parties Dennis and family would host on St. Julian Street. Then I remember most recently the wonderful time you and your family showed my in the Azores ... You will be missed by many, but you and your family need to know how dearly you will be remembered!!!!!!!!!!
Iona Lauzon
June 12, 2009
Mothers Journey
The young Mother set her foot on the path of life."Is this the long way"? she asked. And the guide said "Yes,and the way is hard, you will be old before you reach the end of it, however the end will be better than the beginning" But the young Mother was happy,and she wouldn't believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them, bathed them, taught them how to tie their shoes, ride a bike, reminded them to feed the dog, do their homework and brush their teeth.The sun shone on them, and the Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this." Then the nights came,and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark,and the childern shook with fear and cold, the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the childern said, "Mother, we are not, afraid,for you are near, and no harm can come to us."The morning came,and there was a hill ahead,the childern climbed and grew weary, the Mother also grew weary.But at all times she said to the childern,"A little patience and we will be there."So the childern climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms.With this she gave them strength to face the world.Year after Year,she showed them compassion,understanding,and hope,but most of all she gave them unconditional love.When they reached the top they said,"Mother we wouldn't have done it without you."The days went on, the weeks, the months,and the years, the Mother grew old and she became little and bent, but her childern were tall and strong,and walked with courage.The Mother when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than last,for my childern have learned so much and our now passing these traits on to their childern."When the way became rough for her, they lifted her,and gave her a little strengh, just as she had given them hers.One day they came to a hill, beyond the hill they could see a shining road with a golden gates flung wide.And the Mother said"I have reach the end of my journey and now I know the end is truly better than the beginning.My childern and Grandchildern can walk with dignity and pride,with their heads held high.The childern said, "You will always walk with us Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.They stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. They said: "We cannot she her,but she is with us still.A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."Your mother is alsways with you.She is the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.She is the smell of the cooking of certain foods you remember.She is the flower you pick. She is the scent of that special perfume she wore.She is the cool hand on your brow when you are not feeling well.She is your breath in the air on a cold winter's day.She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep. She is the color of the rainbow. She is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter,and she is crystallized in every tear drop.A Mother has known every emotion,happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy,love hate, anger, helplessness, excitment,joy,sorrow,and all the while,hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She is the place you came from, your first home,she's the map you follow with every step you take.She is the one you run to when you are scared.Her arms are always opened to hold you and console you. She's you first love,your first friend, even your first enemy,but nothing on earth can separate you.
Not time, not space,not even death!
Fernanda de Sousa
June 12, 2009
I wish I could remember my life growing up, but it is hard. I do remember the Sunday visits with everyone and mom would always be happy and cooking and looking after things. She was the one that would take it
on herself to have everything ready and not sit down for meals with us. I think that was her way of being happy. I hope she is filled with happines and painfree now. I love you very much Mom and miss you 100 times more.
Elaine, Amanda, Matthew Fraser,Gillis
June 12, 2009
Fernanda and family,
Our deepiest sympathy goes out to you and your family, you are in our prayers at this very sad time
We love you Fred
Lorena Gheller
June 12, 2009
To my dear family
If I could find the words to comfort you I would write a novel
Or take away your pain I would be at your side
I know that you are suffering without her
Cause the light in side of me has died
We can only be strong together
And keep her memory alive
And one day we will all be with her together
Standing at our Mother’s side…love you…Lorena
Always in our hearts
June 11, 2009
Candice Gheller
June 11, 2009
It's hard to believe that you are gone. It's only been a couple days and I miss you already. I know that you were suffering here on Earth, but a selfish part of me wants nothing more than to have you back. Vavu has lost his best friend, I worry about him, but I promise we will be there for him. You put up a strong fight and even as I type this I can't believe I will no longer hear your laugh or feel your "Vavo Kisses". I wish we had just one more year together, just one more chance to celebrate everything one last time. I know that mom will miss you and I will try to be as good a daughter to her as she was to you. I know that God has a bigger plan, but we had plans for you too. I am not ready to say goodbye, so I guess I will say "see you soon". Please watch over me always and I promise to never let go of you in my heart. You were the best Vavo a grandaughter could ask for, I hope I returned the favour. I love you SO much and I miss you more than you could ever imagine. Please say hi to My Nono and Nona for me. And give Vavo Brazilina a BIG HUG for me too! May you rest in peace Vavo and never forget about your time here on Earth.
June 11, 2009
June 11, 2009
June 11, 2009
lorena and mom
June 11, 2009
mom and darek
June 11, 2009
jeff mom and tyler
June 11, 2009
June 11, 2009
June 11, 2009
To Manuel and all your family:
We are so blessed to have known your beautiful and wonderful Fernanda. She was more than a neighbour to us, and a third "avo" to Jason. (Thank you Dylan for allowing Jason to share that with you growing up).
We will no longer hear her lovely accent, or see her tend her flowers, but we will never forget the lovely woman she was to all of us. The concern she had for everyone around her.
We share in your sadness, and will always remember you fondly Fernanda.
If there is anything we can ever do for you Manual, please know you only need to ask or wave us over.
The Allen Family
Brian, Terry, Jason and Juliette
gualberto pacheco
June 11, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
June 11, 2009
Mr. DeSousa, Fernanda, Lorena, Mana, Dennis, Dorothy & Families,
We know that the past few weeks have been difficult for you. You have been in our thoughts and prayers. Steven has many good memories of your Mum. I will never forget her smile, her laughter and how excited she was to show us around Sao Miguel when we visited. If we ever get back, I will have dinner at Furnas and drink a toast to her!
Love & prayers,
Steven, Deanna & Avery Howell
Elisa Wilson
June 11, 2009
Lorena and Dorothy,
I know the last few months have been really hard for you. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Patty and Vince Bogdanski
June 11, 2009
Our dear neighbour and friend who was so very good to us, you are missed and always will be in our hearts.
Jennifer DeSousa
June 11, 2009
Always in our hearts...and in our minds from all the wonderful memories shared. With all our Love Tia...
Jennifer, Dave & Avery De Sousa-Teves
Scott Hammond
June 11, 2009
I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I will always remember her singing in your home with the sweetest voice and cooking some of the best food I have ever tasted. She will truly be missed by everyone that has ever had the privilege of meeting with her.
Always in my Thoughts and my Prayers
Scott Hammond
Maureen Rugeroni
June 11, 2009
Dear Lorena, Dario and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time in your life. I know how very close you are to your Mum and how much you will miss her. My sincerest simpathy is with you all. Love Maureen, Michael and Kayleigh
June 11, 2009
Dear Lorena,Dario,Candice,Jeff & Desousa Family
We are SO sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time.
Love Cathy,Jon,Jesse & Travis Owen
Lisa DeSousa
June 11, 2009
Tia, I knew this day would come - but how can any of us have comfort in the death of a loved family member....My heart is with the rest of the family in Ontario.You will always be in my heart.. I love you!
Marilyn Marchand
June 11, 2009
Lorena and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. We truly understand all the feeling you are going through.
Your in our prayers,
Marilyn Marchand, Tara and Nic Patterson
Linda
June 11, 2009
I'm loving you, my hurting friend,
From the heart of a mother, what is our most worrying thought when we think of leaving this world? Leaving our children behind without us. Who will worry about them? Who will call them when they are low or sick? How will they carry on without us? We don't want them to hurt or cry or feel helpless when we leave them. We want them to go on, live happy lives, and think of us with strength, love and good memories.
We want to know that the love we gave our children was good food for their souls, that our instruction helped them become the good people they are today, and that our encouragement gave them the self-confidence to do with their lives what they wanted to accomplish. If our children make us proud, and follow their hearts and their dreams, then we feel we have done a great job as their mother!
If we can see our children laugh, love, work, play, and honour us because they understand the treasure we are to them while we are alive, then our lives are truly fulfilled.
Don't cry, my little ones, we would say if we could from the grave. I lived my life every moment, loving, laughing, seizing the days, months and years. I know your pain, but I want you to be happy. Don't cry for me. I came from the heavens and I have just returned. But I will never miss a day without being by your side. I will watch you and talk to you and be present in your everyday lives. Listen for me. Talk to me. Acknowledge my presence with you. I will still be near to comfort, guide, laugh and pray with you. I will never leave you.
The spirit, soul, consciousness lives on and on. Who we are is not the shell we inhabit. We're not what we do, the thoughts we think or the words we say. We simply "are", and will always be, although we take form to live on this mortal plane.
We miss the sight , the sound and the physical touch of our mothers, but they, like we will someday, never be far from the children they love.
The gift our children can give to us is to assure us that even though they will miss us terribly, that they will be okay; that they will go on and be strong in our absence, and that they will always remember that they had a wonderful mother.
Adding my love,
TTCCTCCTCTTC
Linda
Linda Harbridge
June 11, 2009
I'm loving you Mana, my hurting friend,
From the heart of a mother, what is our most worrying thought when we think of leaving this world? Leaving our children behind without us. Who will worry about them? Who will call them when they are low or sick? How will they carry on without us? We don't want them to hurt or cry or feel helpless when we leave them. We want them to go on, live happy lives, and think of us with strength, love and good memories.
We want to know that the love we gave our children was good food for their souls, that our instruction helped them become the good people they are today, and that our encouragement gave them the self-confidence to do with their lives what they wanted to accomplish. If our children make us proud, and follow their hearts and their dreams, then we feel we have done a great job as their mother!
If we can see our children laugh, love, work, play, and honour us because they understand the treasure we are to them while we are alive, then our lives are truly fulfilled.
Don't cry, my little ones, we would say if we could from the grave. I lived my life every moment, loving, laughing, seizing the days, months and years. I know your pain, but I want you to be happy. Don't cry for me. I came from the heavens and I have just returned. But I will never miss a day without being by your side. I will watch you and talk to you and be present in your everyday lives. Listen for me. Talk to me. Acknowledge my presence with you. I will still be near to comfort, guide, laugh and pray with you. I will never leave you.
The spirit, soul, consciousness lives on and on. Who we are is not the shell we inhabit. We're not what we do, the thoughts we think or the words we say. We simply "are", and will always be, although we take form to live on this mortal plane.
We miss the sight , the sound and the physical touch of our mothers, but they, like we will someday, never be far from the children they love.
The gift our children can give to us is to assure us that even though they will miss us terribly, that they will be okay; that they will go on and be strong in our absence, and that they will always remember that they had a wonderful mother.
Adding my love,
TTCCTCCTCTTC
Linda
Wendy Smith
June 11, 2009
Lorena & Dorothy-
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
May God help you through it,with wonderful memories as you celebrate her life on earth..Now gone to a Higher place.
God Bless
Barb, Madison and Keaton Morgan
June 10, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
gabe collier
June 10, 2009
sincere condolences lorena, to you & all of your family. my thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time of grief.
your mom was a very special lady!!!!
gabe
Vicki&Bob Goodyear
June 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
this is our parents...full of life and love!!
June 10, 2009
Debbie Melmer
June 10, 2009
Dennis and Margaret -
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was such a happy, loving woman.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
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