With deep love and gratitude for her life, the family of Valda Guimarães dos Santos Lopo announces her passing into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Valda was born on November 11, 1960, in Goiania, Brazil, to Edna Ester Prata dos Santos and Walterci Guimarães dos Santos. She grew up as one of seven children, embracing the warmth, closeness, and lively spirit that came with a large Brazilian family. Her siblings are Judith Estrela, Julio Eude Estrela, Junia Regina Estrela (pre-deceased), Julia Rosa Estrela, Waldete Guimarães dos Santos, and Walquiria Guimarães dos Santos.
Intelligent, determined, and guided by a compassionate heart, Valda discovered a calling in psychology early in life. She became a psychologist in Brazil in 1986 and immigrated to Canada in 1987, where she worked tirelessly to learn English, volunteer in her community, and pursue further studies while raising her two children. In 2011, she achieved her long-held goal of becoming a registered psychologist in Canada – a milestone that brought her immense pride.
Valda loved her profession deeply. She served her clients and her community with compassion, integrity, and selflessness. Valda often found thoughtful ways to accommodate the needs of the families she supported. She held a special place in her heart for the Brazilian community in Canada. Even with a full schedule, she never hesitated to volunteer, offer talks, or provide guidance whenever she felt she could help. Serving others was a God-given gift and central to who she was.
In February 2025, Valda received a cancer diagnosis, beginning a difficult journey that she faced with incredible faith, courage, and surrender to God. Throughout her battle, she remained thankful for God’s provisions and bore witness to God’s sustaining grace. Her unwavering trust in Christ allowed her to meet each day with dignity and peace, even in trying times.
Valda’s warmth, generosity and devotion to her family and community will be forever remembered. Though we grieve her absence, we rejoice knowing she is fully healed and safely home with her Saviour and Redeemer. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Valda was a devoted mother to Melanie Lopo Van Vliet (married to Mark Van Vliet) and Auldrey Lopo (married to Aren Sammy Lopo), and a proud grandmother to Mila Lopo, who brought her immense joy. Her family was her heart, and she poured her love, encouragement, and wisdom into each of them. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A memorial service will be held at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland on Friday November 28, 2025 at 11am with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Jordan prior to the service at 10am.
