Obituary of AMELIA DE FONTES MENDES

Amelia Fontes Mendes (Borba)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Amelia Mendes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who left this world surrounded by the love of her family on January 11, 2024. Born on the island of São Jorge, in the Azores on August 13, 1933, Amelia’s life was a testament to the power of compassion, hard work and faith.

Growing up in the beautiful and remote Azores archipelago, Amelia developed a resilient and tenacious spirit, nurturing a deep love for family, a strong sense of community, and a genuine appreciation for the simple joys in life. These defining qualities significantly shaped her perspective and approach to living.

Amelia would often fondly reminisce about her childhood, sharing warm memories of playing cards with her family on cool winter evenings, family gatherings during harvest and the many religious celebrations within the community.

Amelia possessed a profound sense of compassion, endless patience and an easy-going yet mischievous nature. She approached each day with unwavering positivity. These qualities served her well while working as a nurse in Velas hospital. She loved being a nurse and found great purpose in helping and caring for others. To be closer to her parents, Amelia accepted a position at the Pharmacy in Calheta, where she established lifelong friendships and many cherished memories.

With the encouragement from her brother João, Amelia immigrated to Winnipeg in the spring of 1963, not convinced she would stay in Canada. However, fate would intervene and in 1965 she married the love of her life, José Mendes, and became a mother to Joe, Tony and Manny; Albano and Maria soon followed. Amelia and José spent 50 years together creating a life rich in family, friendship and community. Their cottage at Winnipeg Beach became Amelia’s favorite retreat, a place to spend time with José, her children, extended family and many friends. Amelia had a fun-loving personality and one of her favourite pastimes was playing cards with friends and family. Amelia’s artistic spirit shone through her love of crocheting. She crafted beautiful and intricate pieces that served as tangible expressions of her love.

Above all, Amelia was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and she took immense joy in nurturing and caring for those closest to her. She was the embodiment of selflessness. Amelia found much happiness in the playfulness and laughter of her grandchildren. She would spend hours teaching them how to cook, bake, play cards and occasionally play a practical joke on their grandfather. Her culinary skills were legendary, and her meals were a testament to the love she poured into her family. She instilled values of hard work, the importance of family bonds and faith.

Amelia’s faith was the guiding force throughout her life. She was a devoutly religious women and found solace and strength through prayer. She was a founding member and

president of the Legion of Mary at the Immaculate Conception Parish for many years. Amelia demonstrated her beliefs in her everyday actions. She sought to see the good in people, donated her time and resources to different charities, and treated people with compassion, patience and kindness.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and family values that will endure in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Amelia will be lovingly remembered by her sons Manuel, Antonio (Elma), Albano (Danielle), her daughter Maria (Dean Steski), her grandchildren Myles (Piper), Kyle (Leah), Alana, Mario, Celina, Luke, Emila and Jack; Great granddaughter Montana; Sister-in-laws Zelia Borba, Maria da Luz Figueiredo and Albertina Araujo; Brother-in-law Manuel (Maria dos Anjos) Ledo and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, José Mendes; son, Joe Mendes; parents, Albano and Felicidade Borba; brothers José and João Borba; sister Maria Faustino; bother-in-laws João Faustino, Felix Figueiredo and Fernando Araujo; sister-in-law Magarida Borba .

The family sincerely thanks the ER and 4E staff at St. Boniface hospital for their attentive care in her final days. Special thanks to all the staff at St. Joseph Personal Care home, and particularly the care staff for Unit 1 for their care and support.

Prayers will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 181 Austin Street N., Winnipeg. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment to follow at Holy Family Cemetery.