Obituary of Filomena BRAGA

FILOMENA MONTEIRO DE BRAGA With great sorrow in our hearts, the family announces the peaceful passing of Filomena Monteiro De Braga, on Monday, September 14th, 2009, at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her husband, 6 of her children, their spouses, 3 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. All the others were there in spirit. Antonio, her husband of 65 years, is left to cherish her memory, along with their children: Eul�lia (Agostinho), Lourdes, Crist�vao (Beverley), Jos� Manuel (Milu), Eduardo (Diane), Ant�nio Jos� (Beatrice), and Ab�lio; their grandchildren: Sandra (Braden), Linda, Roger, Annette, Marla, Eddie Lee (Cristine), Mark, Andrew, Ryan, Ashley (Alex), and Sean; and her great-grandchildren: Ethan, Avery, and Anna Marie. She will be missed by her family for her ability to unite us, particularly every Sunday for lunch and dinner, for having a work ethic that never let her sit at the table to relax with us, for running the tightest ship, for mending and hemming all of our clothing, and for being much tougher than her small stature would suggest. Filomena was born in Santa Maria, Acores. She married Antonio De Braga, a man she found to be so handsome and whom she loved until her last breath. Together they had 9 children, whom she raised alone for a few years while her husband set up their new lives in Canada. Through tough times she remained resilient. She is predeceased by her parents Maria and Manuel, her sister Maria, her brothers: Jos�, Ant�nio, Manuel, Jos� Maria, Agostinho and Jo�o. She leaves many nephews and nieces in Portugal, the States and Canada. Filomena will be remembered for her kindness, her humility (never thinking she had enough to offer), her generosity, her wit and all of the quirks that made her unique and special - even her stubbornness. She will also be remembered for her delicious Sopas do Imp�rio, her papinhas, soupinha, p�-de-torresmo, malassadas, biscoitos, the meatballs and rice, tuna sandwiches, weiners and french fries, lasagna, pancakes, hand beaten milkshakes, her caf� batido, queijo fresco and of course her famous p�osinho fresh from the oven. Her favourite place was the house in Maia, Santa Maria, which she visited often with her husband and children, while she was able to. She and the whole family owe so much to her niece Celeste for looking after their affairs on the island and for her warm hospitality. We would like to thank all the staff of Robin Way at the Misericordia Health Center for their honesty, caring, compassion and patience - we know we are a handful. We would also like to thank her extended family and all the friends for visiting her, even on the last day. We believe she felt their presence. We know she is watching over all of us, with a warm cup of tea with lots of sugar and bolachas in hand. Prayers will be held on Thursday, September 17 at 8:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 181 Austin St. N. with Very Rev. Fr. Jos� Eduardo Medeiros, V. F. officiating. Entombment will follow in Assumption Cemetery (Queen of Heaven Mausoleum). In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Misericordia Foundation - Long Term Care, any charity of your choice or anyone in need. Filomentina, M�e, Vav�, Senhora Filomena, Vizinha, Amiga, com muito amor e saudade, you will for ever live in our hearts.