We remember Estrela das Flores as a devoted wife, loving sister, cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—but above all, as the steady heart of our family.

Her name in Portuguese means “star of the flowers,” a description that perfectly captured her gentle spirit and the quiet light she brought into the lives of everyone who knew her. She lived a rich life rooted in love, kindness, and grace, offering warmth without ever asking for anything in return.

Whether that was ensuring everybody was well fed, or kept cozy by a warm blanket, hat, or scarf that she spent hours crocheting special for you with colours that she thought you would like best, and making a second or third with colours she’d let us choose.

Estrela was born on June 4, 1926, in Lisbon, Portugal into poverty where her life was shaped by faith, love, and resilience—these values she learned, carried, and were taught by her every day of her life.

She married the love of her life, Americo, and together with their daughter, Maria Helen, took a brave leap of faith and emigrated to Canada on June 17, 1961. In a new country, with courage and determination, she built a life working at St. Michael’s Hospital while still making sure a traditional dinner was on the table for her family when they returned from work and school.

For more than fifty blessed years, Estrela and Americo shared a beautiful life together, until he left us in 2009.

Estrela was the one who kept us all close—the person who listened without judgment, offered guidance with patience, and loved without condition. She had a way of making everyone feel safe, seen, and supported, whether through quiet advice, a comforting presence, or simply being there when it mattered most.

She will be deeply cherished by her daughter Helena and her husband Tony; grandchildren Jeannette, Jason and his wife Diana, each holding a special place in her heart.

Her great-grandchildren—Olivia (fiancé James), Massimo, and Maia—were her greatest joys, and she took immense pride in watching them grow.

She taught us the true meaning of unconditional love, offering gentle wisdom and constant encouragement. She believed in her family fiercely and was endlessly proud of each and every one of us.

Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the strength she modeled, and the love that continues to bind our family together. She will be forever missed and always remembered

At 99 years, her life was truly well lived, filled with love, faith, joy, generosity, and grace rooted deeply in her love for God and her family.

Having finished her journey here on earth, we take comfort in knowing she has been gently called to heaven.

She will be dearly, deeply missed, but she has left memories that will be treasured and a legacy of love that will continue to shine in all who knew her.

We will carry her love with us in the way we care for one another, just as she taught us.

May she rest in peace, reunited with the love of her life, and forever watching over the family she held so close.