JOSE CERQUEIRA VIEIRA

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JOSE CERQUEIRA VIEIRA Peacefully on April 25, 2005, at the Health Sciences Centre, Jose Cerqueira Vieira passed away surrounded by his family. Son of Antonio Jose Vieira and Maria Goncalves. Jose was born in Oleiros, Ponte da Barca, Portugal on October 22, 1925. Surviving Jose is his wife of 55 years, Maria Oliveira da Costa Vieira; five children, Mario (Isabel), Aleixo (Patricia), Helena (Vidal), Ceu, Josie (Luis); 12 grandchildren, Paul (Tamara), Michele (Michael), Diana (Manuel), Peter (Lindsay), Tony (Amanda), Jennifer (John), Joel, Christina (James), Kevin, Chantel, David and Joshua, Marco and Sandra; 11 great-grandchildren, Ashley, Jasmine, Antonio, Jordan, Savanna, Benjamin, Matthew, Gabriel, Abigail, Jadyn and Grace. He is also survived by sisters, Maria, Julia and Helena and many other nieces, nephews as well as his dear sister-in-law Maria Vieira. Jose was predeceased by his parents; granddaughter Hope; brothers, Manuel, Antonio and sister Teresa. At age 20, Jose like many other young men, was recruited to serve in the Portuguese army. Upon completion of the military service, he worked as a taxi and truck driver, before immigrating to Canada, where he looked for better opportunities for his entire family. Very proud of his culture and passionate for music and folklore, Jose dedicated a lot of his time to these causes. He was one of the founders of the Portuguese Folk Dancers (Portuguese Association of Manitoba) and the choreographer for this group. Later founded the Casa Do Minho Portuguese Centre and Folk Dance Group, with which he maintained involvement for many years. Playing the clarinet, was one of his forms of relaxation, so he did it not only at home but also as a member of the Banda Lira de Fatima. Another love was playing his harmonica. Being active in the community was always a form of expressing his passions and talents and creating and preserving friendships. Upon his retirement, Jose and his wife Maria, shared their time between Canada, where all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren lived and Portugal where he enjoyed the summer feasts (Romarias) and watching the grapes of his vineyard develop and ripen in order to make wine. Our gratitude goes to all the health care workers: Home Care, staff at the Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Centre, who treated him with all care and compassion during his rather lengthy illness. A special thanks goes out to our sister Helena for loving and caring for dad like no one else could. We also want to show our appreciation to nieces Fatima and Nazare for all their help, support and kindness. As well a special thanks to Casimiro, you were always like a son to mom and dad and Adelino Costa for your special visits and care. Prayers will take place on Thursday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 181 Austin St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 29 at 10:00 a.m. also at the Church with Very Rev. Fr. Jose Eduardo Medeiros, V.F. presiding. (Eulogies at 9:30 a.m.) Entombment will follow in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum. Dad, with all our love we send you on your new journey to be with Jesus, and look forward to seeing you when it is time for our journey. WE LOVE YOU, as you have loved us... WE WILL MISS YOU and everything about you... Your smile, your Chuckle, your comments, your advice and your stories... but most of all, just being with you. We love you Paizinho CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2005