Obituary of ANTONIO de FREITAS dos SANTOS

Anthony (Antonio) Santos – At 81 years “young” Anthony passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023.  Left to mourn his beloved wife, Gemma, of 60 years, his 4 children Mark (Rosa Maria), Jacqueline (Joao), Anita (Adam), and Nicole.  He adored his grandchildren: Melissa (David), Eric (Melissa), David, Michael, and Nicholas.

He is survived by his sisters Grascinda and Casamira in Portugal, Julia in Winnipeg, and brother Manuel in Elliott Lake, his in-laws: Henriette (Jarvis) Baryliuk, Marielle (David) Brennan, Denis (Viola) Caillier, Adrien (Therese) Caillier, Claude (Sheila) Caillier, Monique (Hubert) Grenier. And he is mourned by many nieces, nephews and family friends.

Anthony was predeceased by his parents Ana Freitas and Manuel dos Santos. His sisters Laura, Eva and Maria.  His in-laws Cecile (Louis) Cosyns, Elaine (Roland) Lachance, Gilles (Lorette) Caillier, and Aurele Caillier.

Anthony immigrated to Canada at the tender age of 16 in 1957 from Portugal.  The first years in Canada he endured many hardships.  His determination, perseverance and hard work assisted him in navigating this foreign land.  Anthony then met his “Love” Gemma at the local Sadie Hawkins dance, they married in 1963 and have been dancing together ever since. 

Anthony worked as an instrument mechanic at Canadian Wire, Winnipeg Hydro, and was very proud to have retired from the Winnipeg Fire Department after 13 years.

They loved travelling, dancing, playing cards and going for walks together.  Anthony was known for having an uncanny ability to make people laugh.

The family would like to thank the staff at HSC - MICU Dr. Alexander Sharp and nurses Jasmine and Dora for their care and compassion during our family’s difficult time.

Prayers are on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 250 Burrin Avenue with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum at Assumption RC Cemetery at 3990 Portage Ave. Lunch to follow in church basement.

In lieu of flowers, at Anthony’s request, donations are to be made to the Fire Fighters Burn Fund at http://www.burnfundmb.ca/.

I love you my Love!

We love you Dad, Pai, Pepere!