After a long and beautiful life, at the age of 89, Maria Imelda D’Souza was called home by her Heavenly Father on September 12, 2020, in Mississauga, Ontario. She passed away peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital amongst the caring healthcare staff after her short battle with pneumonia. Imelda was incredibly lucky to spend her last days with the kind and loving staff of the Wenleigh Long Term Care Residence and was surrounded by family prior to her passing.

Imelda was born in Bombay, India on September 25, 1930. She is the second oldest of four children (predeceased by her brothers Fr. Lazarus and Oswald, and survived by her sister, Sr. Gridonia). She was married on August 18, 1957 to her loving husband Charles (Charlie) D’Souza and they had three adult children, Fr. Gerard, Melissa and Carlton. Despite enjoying her time in India, Imelda moved across the world and settled in Canada in 1997 to be closer to her family. This was a true testament to her selfless love for her family.

Imelda loved her time in Canada, filling her days with Bingo and her many friends at Agnes Street. Anyone who knew her knew that they could always rely on Imelda to lend a helping hand or a caring ear. Her tough exterior always softened when someone needed her. She was a doting grandmother and loved taking care of her grandkids. She enjoyed spoiling them with many treats when their parents were not looking and took great pride in their accomplishments.

Imelda will be remembered for her fierce will to live, great generosity, love for her friends and family and her unwavering faith that carried her through all of life’s hardships. She was incredibly selfless, even comforting her family with her last few breaths. She was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Charlie, who himself passed in 1997. Imelda leaves behind her three children, Fr. Gerard, Melissa (Kevin), and Carlton (Wendy) along with three very lucky grandchildren, Rochelle, Natalie and Adrian.

In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate donations made to The Abbey of The Genesee in Piffard, NY where her son Fr. Gerard is the Abbot.

“You were an angel in the shape of my mum
You got to see the person I have become
Spread your wings
And I know that when God took you back he said Hallelujah
You’re home.”
- Ed Sheeran