Obituary of ALICE BALBINA ALMEIDA FARIA

ALICE BALBINA ALMEIDA FARIA

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Alice Balbina Almeida Faria on May 24, 2025, at St. Boniface Hospital, where she received compassionate palliative care for her final eight weeks.

She passed peacefully at the age of 82.

Born on February 4, 1943, in São Jorge, Azores, Portugal, Alice was the last surviving member of her birth family. Alice was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend.

Her radiant smile, gentle voice, and striking blue eyes left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

From her youth, Alice sang in a family band with her siblings, fostering a lifelong love of music, particularly ABBA, which she enjoyed during car rides.

She was also a devoted fan of The Young and the Restless. Alice’s life revolved around her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored.

She ensured they were always well-fed, often preparing their favorite meals or giving them money for treats like McDonald’s.

Even from her hospital bed, she insisted on providing for them, asking her husband to bring cash for their meals.

While she could, her nurturing extended to comforting soups, homemade lemon, vanilla, and chocolate funnel cakes, and her beloved Jello cheesecake, which she savored until her final days.

Her hands were never idle—she folded laundry with care, tended a thriving garden of delicious produce, and knitted intricate comforters with fine white thread, always with remarkable patience.

Rooted in deep faith, Alice’s quiet strength, constant prayers, and unwavering devotion guided her family through challenges, leaving a lasting legacy.

Alice is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, João António Faria; her children, José (Karin) Faria, Maria (Erwin) Froese, and Sandra (Kelly) Almeida; and her cherished grandchildren, João Faria, Max Froese, Milana Almeida, Bianca Almeida, and Leianna Almeida.

She was also a devoted step-grandmother to Tyler Froese (November 10th, 1990 – December 8th, 2007), Calli Alldritt, and Jasmine Georgeson.

She is remembered fondly by Mary Calotes (wife of grandson João Faria), Tina Panetta (mother of João), and Annabelle Perreault (partner of grandson Max Froese).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and volunteers at St. Boniface Palliative Care for their compassionate support.

Special thanks go to her daughter Maria, who stayed by her mom’s side every night, and to her daughter in-law Karin, whose steadfast presence brought comfort until the end.

We also deeply appreciate the spiritual care team, for their daily prayers, which uplifted Alice’s spirit in her final weeks at St. Boniface Hospital.

Funeral mass will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Parish, 181 Austin St N, with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue.

Alice’s legacy endures in the meals she shared, the music she loved, the beauty she created, the home she built, and the boundless love she gave. Her memory will forever live in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.