Passed away peacefully at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on September 7, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family. Maria do Carmo was a devoted and loving wife to her late husband of 53 years, Jose Figueiredo Sousa (2023). She was also predeceased by her parents Jose and Maria Chaves, her brother Antonio (Ermelinda), and her 10-year-old sister Maria. She leaves behind her beloved only daughter; Eduarda “Eddie” Sousa. She is also survived by her sisters, Conceicao, her twin (the late Antonio Sousa), Beatriz (Jose Monteiro), and Maria (Silvino Chaves). Maria do Carmo will be missed by her many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and extended family and friends in Canada, Portugal, and the USA who she adored greatly.
Maria do Carmo immigrated to Canada in 1974 with her husband and daughter for a better life. She worked at various factories with the majority being at Waterloo Textiles in Cambridge. She worked many years until she retired in 2002. She loved crocheting and knitting and playing cards with family and friends. Maria do Carmo loved spending her summers back home in Santa Maria where she enjoyed her ocean side house, savouring “finos” at the pool side bar, and eating a “daily catch” of fresh caught fish.
Maria do Carmo was a fighter. She battled cancer, strokes, and heart disease. She was resilient and always came back “kicking” until the end. She was a kind and giving person and would do anything she could to help others. She always wanted to see the happiness in others. She lived a very full life with her husband and her daughter who she cherished, and many friends and connections. Her home was a hub of warmth and hospitality, and she enjoyed sharing with those who came through her door. She will now spend eternity with her beloved “Jose”. Her time on Earth left a lasting impression and her integrity, laughter, and loyalty will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Cambridge Memorial Hospital who provided Maria do Carmo with excellent care and treated her with the utmost dignity and respect.
Resting at Corbett Funeral Home where family and friends will be received on Wednesday September 10, 2025, from 3:30p.m.-7:00p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, Elgin St., S., Cambridge, on Saturday September 13, 2025, at 10a.m.(Family and guests to go directly to the church, the family will not be meeting at the funeral home). Interment to follow at Parklawn Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations made to the Alzheimer Society, Heart and Stroke Society, or the Cancer Society. would be greatly appreciated.
