Esperance Fernandes passed away peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada on Friday, November 29, at the age of 87, surrounded by her family.

Known by most as Espie, Esperance is survived by her children Sandra & Cedric, daughter-in law Carlotta, granddaughter Sophia, sister Lily Aranjo and brother-in-law Andrew Dias.

Born on October 1, 1937 in Karachi, Pakistan, Esperance is pre-deceased by her loving husband of 40 years, Augustine (Augie), parents Vincent and Agnes, brother Matthew, sisters Lucy D’Souza, Cecilia Dias and brothers-in-law Frank D'Souza and Augustine Aranjo.

She was a loving aunt, cousin and godmother to many in her large extended family.

From a young age, Espie was an avid reader, devouring romance and mystery novels, moving to audiobooks in recent years. Her love of learning led her to a path as a primary school teacher at St John Vianney School following her studies at St. Joseph Convent School and her teacher’s training at St Patrick’s. She was beloved in this role and decades later her students remember her fondly as the kind and gentle Miss D’Lima.

Espie was introduced to Augie through a close family friend, and it was a perfect match. Soon they announced their engagement on January 6, 1963.

Although regarded by most as gentle and calm, Espie had an adventurous spirit and quiet courage. She boarded a ship headed to Bahrain to build a new life and a new home in a place with a vastly different culture. The happy couple were married on May 5, 1963.

Sandra and Cedric were Espie’s pride and joy. She was a devoted wife and mother and doted on the children, making sure that they had everything they needed to have a happy childhood.

Espie briefly returned to teaching in Bahrain, but soon decided that the private sector suited her better. She had various jobs in the British Council, Canada Dry and Gulf Air over the next twenty-five years. The last job allowed the family to take many holidays abroad with the privilege of discounted travel. These included trips to Canada, Europe, the Far East and Australia as well as short trips back to Karachi several times a year to spend time with her mother, family and friends.

In 1996, following her retirement, Espie and Augie relocated back to Karachi, spending several months per year in Canada, moving to Canada permanently in 2001. They had a wide circle of friends in Canada from their years in Karachi and Bahrain and enjoyed many social events, picnics, parties and celebrations.

Espie thoroughly enjoyed her retirement, travelling to Rome and the Holy Land with Augie and after his death on cruises with the family, and road trips with friends. She enjoyed watching British sitcoms, daily mass and crossword puzzles and word scrambles, and would take regular trips to senior centers for various activities.

In the last 18 months, Espie received excellent care by the kind and patient staff at the Wenleigh LTC - to whom the family is very grateful. The family also extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Credit Valley Hospital, who ensured that her last days were comfortable and peaceful.

Please join us as we celebrate her life on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Turner & Porter, 1981 Dundas St W, Mississauga, for visitation from 4-8 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. John of the Cross, Catholic Church, 6890 Glen Erin Dr, Mississauga, on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Reception immediately to follow at Swagat Banquet Hall, 6991 Millcreek Dr, Mississauga.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Sharelife in Esperance’s name would be appreciated.

Funeral mass livestream can be viewed on Thursday, December 5 at 11am
https://youtube.com/live/tzCjzhRHS74?feature=share