Manuela Nunes Neves Rodrigues

Manuela Nunes Neves Rodrigues passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the age of 85, after a brief and very courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Casével, Portugal, on August 29, 1940, to Felicidade de Jesus Nunes and Luis da Graça Ferreira Neves, Manuela grew up in Parceiros de São João, Portugal, where she lived until the time of her marriage. She carried with her the values of faith, hard work, devotion and family throughout her life.

She married her beloved husband, José Maria Rodrigues (Joe) on October 8, 1961 and together they built a life centered on love, hard work and sacrifice. José came to Canada in 1968 and in 1970, Manuela and their first daughter, Maria, joined him in Winnipeg to begin a new chapter together in Canada. Maria was born in Portugal on January 31, 1966. Shortly after arriving in Winnipeg, they welcomed their second daughter, Elizabeth, who was born on September 9, 1971. Like so many who came to this country seeking a better future for their families, Manuela worked tirelessly to create a warm and loving home. For many years, she operated a home daycare, where she lovingly cared for countless children with the same warmth, patience and compassion she showed her own family.

She was an incredibly kind and generous woman whose gentle spirit touched everyone she met and made people feel instantly welcome and cared for. Family was always at the center of Manuela’s life. She found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved and treasured every moment spent together, especially with her daughters and grandchildren. Manuela was a devoted wife to José, whom she deeply loved and missed every day following his passing in Portugal in June 2009. Together they shared a lifetime of love, partnership and devotion to their family and community.

She is predeceased by her parents, Felicidade de Jesus Nunes and Luis da Graça Ferreira Neves; her brother, Manuel Maria Neves; and her beloved husband, José.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Maria (Fernando) and Elizabeth (Miles); her cherished grandchildren, Angelina (Eric), Sabrina (Kevin), Alex (Lindsey), Brody, and Noah; and she also leaves to mourn many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends in both Canada and Portugal. She also held a deep love for her homeland and cherished every opportunity to travel back to her home in Torres Novas, Portugal. Those visits brought her great happiness and kept her closely connected to her roots, traditions and lifelong friendships.

 Manuela and José were also deeply devoted members of Winnipeg’s Portuguese community. Together, they volunteered countless hours at the Portuguese Cultural Centre, and the Portuguese Park forming lifelong friendships and helping preserve the culture, traditions and sense of community that meant so much to them. Those who knew Manuela will remember her for her kindness, strength, generosity and unwavering love for her family. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter and togetherness, and her legacy will live on through the family she nurtured with such care and devotion.

The family would like to thank everyone who offered love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

Mass of the Resurection will be celebrated on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 12 noon CST at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Parish, 181 Austin Street N. Winnipeg. Condolences will be held from 11:00a.m. - 11:55 a.m. The family would like to invite attendees to join them for fellowship and a light lunch beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Portuguese Cultural Centre (659 Young St). The remains will be repatriated to Portugal for interment.

“Forever loved, deeply missed and always remembered.”