Obituary of ABEL PEREIRA SOUSA

ABEL PEREIRA SOUSA

1948 – 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Abel Pereira Sousa who passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 75 years. He was born in Alveijar, Ourem, Portugal in February 13, 1948 and moved to Canada with his wife in February 1970. Abel was married for over 55 years to Maria Leonor, and had three children – Silvia, Elisabete and Mike. 

Abel is predeceased by his parents (Jose and Maria Julia Sousa), his brothers (Armando and Jose), his sisters (Arminda and Isaura). Abel is survived by his wife Maria Leonor, his children Silvia (John), Elisabete (Chris) and Mike (Amy), as well as his four grandchildren (Nicole, Annika, Alex and Luke), his sisters (Alice and Rosa), many nieces and nephews, and extended family in Canada, Portugal and France.

Abel was a hard worker with a strong work ethic, and a man of strong family values. He loved his family deeply and was very proud of his children and grandchildren.  When he came to Canada, he immediately started working in the construction industry because of his ability to speak some French. He loved working on big projects like hydro dams and pipelines across Canada. Abel was a risk taker. He would jump in his car and drive across Canada to be able to work on these projects.

In his free time, Abel loved to travel to Portugal to visit with his family and friends, and relive his youth. He loved to attend the Portuguese festivals and go to the “Feira de Ourem”.  The famous fishing town and beach of Nazare was a must when he visited Portugal. He enjoyed eating and tasting seafood dishes, especially lobster, and jumping into the cold ocean for a swim. On his visits to Portugal, Abel loved to go to Fatima and to sit outside on his condo’s balcony and look at the “Castelo de Ourem”. He loved to watch soccer and cheer his favorite team Benfica. Abel was known for his delicious BBQ ribs and loved spending time with his grandkids making them laugh. He always gave his children advice whether they wanted it or not, but they always knew it was coming from the heart.

Abel was a believer that education changed lives. He encouraged his children to pursue their dreams and provided support as they pursued post-secondary education. He always said his greatest achievement “was his three kids” and all that they have accomplished.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to Riverview and Seven Oaks General Hospital, all of whom helped make our dad’s last months comfortable during the late stages of his Parkinson’s.

Prayers and viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Parish (181 Austin Street North, Winnipeg) from noon to 12:30 pm.  A Eulogy and Mass will be held right after from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.

THE BROKEN CHAIN

We little knew that day,

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide.

And although we cannot see you,

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.

– Ron Tranmer