MARIA DONATILDE DE MELO CAMARA

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MARIA DONATILDE DE MELO CAMARA After a lengthy and courageous battle against heart and lung disease, it is with great sadness to announce that our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on August 25, 2011, at the Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 86. Donatilde was predeceased by her husband, Andre Avelino Pacheco da Camara, in 1989 and her siblings, Maria do Rosario, Dionizio, and Manuel and her granddaughter, Candace. She leaves behind her children, Nick (Debbie), Andre, Nuno (Manuela), Charles (Maria Jose), Margaret, Cathy (Ortwin), and Dona (Anat); grandchildren, Nicholas, Curtis, and Brittney (from Nick), Michael (Hadria), Andrea, and Michelle (from Nuno), Andre John and Richard (from Charles), and Brennan and Cameron (from Cathy); great-grandchildren, Ciara, Alea, and an unborn great-grandchild who is due in December; sisters, Normanda and Hirondina; her goddaughters, Manuela and Filomena; her nephew who was more like a son, Paulo Jorge (Maria do Carmo); her many nieces, nephews and cousins; and her friends. Donatilde was born on October 8, 1924 in Vila Franca Do Campo in Sao Miguel, Acores, Portugal. She immigrated to Winnipeg with her four sons in 1958 to join her husband who had immigrated to Winnipeg the previous year. Donatilde was an incredible person who touched the lives of many. Her compassion, unwavering love, and gratitude to those around her left a lasting impression. Her strength and courage, during the most challenging moments in life and during her illness, has taught us never give up hope. Donatilde lived for her family, was the glue that held her children together, and she made it her destiny to do whatever it took to foster love, harmony, and forgiveness. She appreciated others and enjoyed the company of her family and friends who will always love her. Until she was no longer able to, Donatilde took pleasure in cooking, sewing, and knitting. She enjoyed music and dance, especially the Lawrence Welk Show. Family get-togethers and meals were particularly important to her, and she looked forward to those times. With Portuguese as her primary language, Donatilde had to manage in an English-speaking environment while she lived in Deer Lodge over the last 15 months. She touched the lives of her fellow residents and the staff and proved that personality overpowers language barriers. As a devoted Catholic, Donatilde believed in the power of prayer and everlasting life. While able, she attended Saturday mass at Deer Lodge with her children. Although she is now free from suffering and rests in peace, she will be greatly missed. As we try to grieve this tremendous loss, we will continue to celebrate her life, remember how deeply she touched our lives, and honour how special she remains to be. During her illness, she was cared for by the Seven Oaks Home Care Department and the Seven Oaks General Hospital. The Camara family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who cared for her. A special thank you to the Lodge 4 staff at the Deer Lodge Centre for the care that was provided to Donatilde and her family while she lived there. It is with profound gratitude that a very special thank you be extended to the staff who assisted during Donatilde's final moments and during her passing. She was surrounded by her family until her last breath. In celebration of her life, a Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Burrin Ave. Mass of Roman Catholic Burial will be celebrated at the same church on Wednesday, August 31 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. José Medeiros presiding from St. Paul The Apostle Church. Entombment will be held at Holy Family Cemetery, 4355 Main St. To honour Donatilde, a reception will follow the entombment at St. Anthony of Padua Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba and/or the Lung Association of Manitoba. Descansa em paz querida. Rest in peace dear. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2011