Obituary of ANTONIO TAVARES DE BRAGA

Antonio Tavares de Braga

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Antonio Tavares de Braga. With his family at his side, he peacefully slipped away from this world in the early hours of November 11, 2018.

His children Eulalia (Agostinho), Lourdes, Cristovao (Beverly), Jose Manuel (Milu), Eduardo, Antonio Jose (Beatrice), and Abilio, are left to cherish his memory along with his grandchildren Sandra (Brady), Linda, Roger (Lisa), Annette, Marla, Eddie Lee (Christine), Mark, Andrew, Ryan (Bree), Ashley (Russ), and Sean; and his great-grandchildren Ethan, Mateo, Anna, Taylor, Avery, Nixon, Jameis, and Cassidy.

Antonio was a quiet man who loved to spend time with his colourful family, even if he often sat in the next room. He maintained a fairly strict routine of shopping on Wednesdays, watching the news and reading the paper whenever possible, and, as a Carmelite, abstaining from meat on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Always a good judge of character, he had a keen eye for political corruption in Canada, his native Portugal, and around the world.

Antonio was born in Santa Maria, Acores. In 1944, he married Filomena Monteiro. Together they had 9 children. Filomena passed in 2009, but Antonio wore his wedding ring until his death.

In 1957, at the age of 39, Antonio left a comfortable position in Portugal to emigrate to Canada for the sake of his family, taking a job working on the railroad. A proud immigrant who always wore a Canadian flag on his lapel, he nonetheless stayed true to his heritage while setting up a better life for his family in Winnipeg. They would eventually join him in November 1963.

He is predeceased by his wife Filomena; his parents Anna Coelho Tavares and Jose Joaquim de Braga; his Brothers Urbano and David; and his sisters Maria, Helena, and Ines. He is survived by his sister Filomena, and many nieces and nephews in Portugal, Canada, and the United States.

Antonio will be remembered as a true century man. Seemingly ageless, he was always impeccably well dressed and well groomed. Possessing a natural poise and class, his beloved wife still found him handsome after 65 years of marriage. He always knew the best time to bring snacks for his grandchildren, and fell asleep, almost daily, with a hand-rolled cigarette hanging from his lips without burning his house down.

After insisting he would quit for many years, he finally kicked the habit at the age of 99.

Always in remarkably good health through 100 years of life, his longevity would not have been possible without the loving care of his family, in particular his daughters Eulalia and Lourdes, and his son-in-law Agostinho. The three of you deserve a special thank you on behalf of everyone who knew him for your hard work and sacrifice – even if you say it was an honour.

We would also like to thank Dr. Andrea Babick and the entire staff of St Joseph’s Residence for their loving care.

Prayers will be held on Sunday, November 18, at 5:00 P.M. at Immaculate Conception Church, 181 Austin St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 19, at 10:00 A.M., also at Immaculate Conception Church, with Rev. Frs. Andre Lico and Tiago Coloni officiating.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

António, Pai, Father-in-law, Vavô, we were exceptionally fortunate to have you for so long. We are sad to see you go, but we know you will continue to be well taken care of.

Because your “Filomentina” was waiting for you.