MARIA DAS NEVES DE OLIVEIRA GRAVITO PONTES

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MARIA DAS NEVES DE OLIVEIRA GRAVITO PONTES May 16, 1936 - May 1, 2016 It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She entered into eternal peace on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at Seven Oaks Hospital. She was welcomed into the Kingdom of heaven at the age of 79 years. Maria was born in Terceira, Azores on May 16, 1936. She married the late Mario Pontes, the love of her life, in 1955 and had eight children. She immigrated to Canada in 1971, where she began her wonderful Canadian life. In addition to raising their six children, she lovingly raised several of her grandchildren. She was a constant presence in her children's lives, cherishing her role as a grandmother despite battling a host of health challenges. She adored her large family - spending time with her children, grandchildren, brother, cousins and friends warmed her heart. She loved watching the traditional carnaval dances of Terceira and making large feasts for her family. She will be remembered by her family and friends as a gentle, generous, caring, loyal woman whose faith filled heart, cared unconditionally and gave without question. Maria will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Mario (Margarida), Frank (Leonor) and Adelino (Lucia); daughters, Lilia (Manuel), Anabela (Baltasar), and Lucilia (Rui); grandchildren, Sandra (Mark), Christie (John), Jason, Crystal (Nelson), Carlos, Leandra (Shawn), Justin (Karinne), James (Paola), Amanda (Lyndon), Ashley (Cleveland), Adam (Chelsea), Jocelyn (Jayson), Michael (Sara), Branden (Nicole), Nykeah (Lisandro), Xavier, Thiago and Nevaeh; and great-grandchildren Randy, Melania, Mateo, Emma, Sienna, Dylan James, Karly, Jayson, Caio, Markus, Dominic, Nathanael, Londyn, Kyala, Cleveland Jr. and Benicio. She is also survived by her brothers Francisco, Manuel, Antonio and Anacleto, as well as numerous other family members and friends throughout the Azores, Brazil, Canada and United States. She was predeceased by her parents, Manuel and Maria Gravito, her sisters Angelina and Graciomilde, brother José and two sons, José and Vitor. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last few hours of life. Also a special thank you to Father Tiago and to all who have kept her in their prayers throughout her journey and made time to visit her. Vigil Prayers will be said on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 181 Austin St. N. with Father Tiago Coloni presiding. Entombment will follow at the Queen of Heaven Mausoleum at the Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria's memory to Siloam Mission, 300 Princess St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 1M3. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Lord put your arms around her. Hold her in your tender care. Make up to her for all she suffered and had to bear. She went through so much in silence. Her spirits didn't bend. She faced her pain with courage until the very end. Love you forever Mae, forget you never. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2016