ANTOINETTE ATHAYDE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANTOINETTE (ANNETTE) ATHAYDE August 6, 1925 - March 16, 2016 On March 16, surrounded by family, Annette "Mama" slipped peacefully from this world to join the Lord and her beloved husband Joseph in Heaven. Left to cherish her memory are her six children, Orlando (Thecla), Patricia Rutherford (Jack), Priscilla, Pamela, Greg (Kathy), Pia (Dean Ternent); and her eleven grandchildren, Jennifer Griffin (Chad), Melanie (Kelly), Jason, Jasmine Spata (Thomas), Christopher, Jeff (Shannon), Paul (Maegwin), Alex, Julia, Megan, Chandra; and three great-granddaughters, Keira, Desiree, and Ava. She will also be missed by niece Christine Rodrigues and great-niece Michelle who lived with Annette and Joe for many years. Annette was predeceased by her parents Christopher and Carmeline Alphonso; her husband Joseph and her brother Alex, but will be remembered by nieces, nephews and extended family and friends all over the world. Annette was born in Margao, Goa. While studying nursing in Bombay, she met and fell in love with her Joe. They married in 1951 and shared a very full and adventurous life together for the next 60 years. In 1955, after the birth of their second child, they moved to Uganda. Here, Annette worked as a head nurse while raising her children. They loved their life in Africa, taking time to travel the beautiful country and the world. They enjoyed many dances, picnics and gatherings with the Goan community. Joe and Annette will always be remembered for their graceful, elegant performances on the dance floor. In 1972, along with all Ugandan Asians, they were forced to flee Uganda. Annette and Joe had to uproot their family and leave behind everything they had earned and owned. With six children and an uncertain future, the family moved to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. With little more than faith, constant prayer, and hard work, they built a new life and once again lived in peace and happiness. Shortly after arriving in Winnipeg, Annette worked as a registered nurse at the Health Sciences Centre until 1979. She and Joe made many new friends and once again led an active social life, gracing many dance floors. Annette and Joe enjoyed travelling throughout their life and visited friends and family in every corner of the world. In 1973, they purchased their home on Langside, where they lived for over 35 years. Annette proudly cared for her home, and welcomed visitors, family and friends with open arms and a plate of food. It was the scene of many happy gatherings where Annette would always bring out the song sheets for a sing-along. Annette will also be remembered for the countless hours she spent volunteering with the Spence Neighbourhood Association and her involvement with the Catholic Women's League at St. Edwards Parish. The family would like to thank the staff at Thorvaldson Care Center for the loving care they provided over the past few years and Poseidon Care for the past few months. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Tuesday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. with Fr. Joe Newman presiding. Reception will follow in the Church Hall. God put his arm around you And took you gently home to rest It hurt us dearly to lose you But you did not go alone For part of us went with you The day God took you away Thank you for the years you gave us For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2016