MARIA EDUARDA DA COSTA (BRANQUINHO)

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MARIA EDUARDA DA COSTA (nee BRANQUINHO) Suddenly on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at the Health Sciences Centre, Maria, with her family by her side, passed away at the age of 86 years. She was predeceased by her husband Gastao in 2011. She also leaves her children Mario (Tammy), Dennis and Anne (Paul) Lima all of Winnipeg; grandchildren Laurie (Josh) of Colorado, Kristin of Alberta, Melanie, Richard, Matthew, Paul Jr. and Michael all of Winnipeg; her great-grandchildren Freya and Lucas, and brother Jose Luis Branquinho of Toronto. Forever in our Hearts Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, But remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, laughter, The smiles, I've only gone to rest a while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, My going has eased my hurt and given me relief, So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now but as I used to be. I will remember you all and look on with a smile, Understand in your hearts I've only gone to rest a while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live in the hearts of all of you. Maria was born on November 20, 1930 in Rosario, Lagoa Sao Miguel, Acores, Portugal. She married Gastao in 1959 before immigrating to Canada in 1960. In 1961 they had their first son, in 1965 they welcomed their second son, and in 1972 they were blessed with a daughter. Maria worked for Rice Sportswear for 25 years; she then was employed with several janitorial companies. She retired at the age of 67. Maria went above and beyond to help others. She was very active and loved walking. She enjoyed meeting all her friends at Garden City Mall for coffee. She was very involved in the Portuguese community. The family would like to thank the staff at the Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department for their compassion. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, November 1 at 8:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 181 Austin St. N. Interment to follow in Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue West. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2017