DE FRIAS, Maria Jose da Encarnacao Medeiros - (March 30, 1931 - January 14, 2021) -
(Mom, Mommy, Maria and Mary Joe) - She had several names but she loved being called “Vavo” and “Bisa."
She was born in Faja de Cima, Sao Miguel, Azores. Married Antonio De Frias. They lived with her parents Maria da Encarnacao Martins Medeiros and Joao Luis De Medeiros. After 9 years they built a house and moved to Sao Roque, Sao Miguel, Azores.
After 7 years, 1967, they then immigrated with their four children to Toronto. Her beloved husband died in 1981. Since then, she lived in Mississauga and lately Rice Lake.
She spent most of her time sitting on her deck outside her Bunkie where she would get excited watching birds land on the water, boats cruising by, people launching their boats, which was right beside her Bunkie and planes landing on the water right in front of her. She loved seeing people swim, Sea-Doo, kayak, but most of all seeing her family enjoy the water, especially Mara jumping off the dock and Sea-Dooing with Jonathan.
She enjoyed going for walks, waving to her neighbours, and striking a conversation with everyone she came in contact with. People were drawn to her smile and welcoming voice. Her laugh was contagious and could be heard for miles.
She loved looking through her picture albums and we often looked at the collages of the family and saying “beautiful." She also loved reminiscing about her life, family and friends with anyone who listened and lately with Ashley.
She was a strong and wonderful Mom, Vavo and Bisa.
She will be dearly and forever missed by her Daughter Isabel, Sons Joe (Diane), John and Luis (Bev), Grandchildren, Jonathan (Ashley), Tyler (Madison) and Ben, Granddaughters, Melanie (Michael) and Stephanie (J.M.), Great Grandchildren, Mara, Marie Jose and Michel. She also loved Gilda and Kerry - your encouraging words meant a lot to her.
Mom loved travelling – she went to the Azores, Portugal several times, Florida, Cape Cod, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Cruised on the Oasis of the Sea to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Cruised on the Crown Princess to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao. Travelled by car from Georgetown, Ontario to Miami, Florida.
Mom loved all her Nephews and Nieces - Fatima thank you for taking over your mom’s phone calls, Joaquim (Quim), Valdemira, Manuel, Luis – she planned to go see you this summer, Joao Luis, Maria de Jesus, Lurdes, Carlos, Val, Lori, Ana, Donny.
Mom, Rice Lake has truly lost a Shining Night Star, a Sunrise and a Beautiful Sunset when you left, but your spirit will always be there.
Mom, you and Dad travelled far from your family to bring us to a land of opportunity, thank you for the sacrifices you made. With much love and anguish, we send you to your family who have been lovingly waiting for you.
You are now joining your Mother and Father, your Husband, your Granddaughter Christine, your beloved siblings that you talked about all the time Antonio and Rosita, Almerinda and Joaquim , Joao Luis, Jose Luis and Maria Conceicao. Mother-In-Law Maria dos Anjos, Sister-In-Law Lurdes, Berta and Nicolau.
May the wings of a Dove carry you to our Loving God. Go in Peace and Rest until we meet again. Always in our mind and forever in our hearts – know that you are truly loved.
Arrangements entrusted with Scott funeral home, Mississauga chapel.
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