Maria Isabel De Jesus Batista was born on June 21, 1963, in the small village of Aveiro, Portugal. She was the daughter of João and Anunciacão, growing up on a family farm alongside her four brothers and four sisters, as the fourth youngest of the nine children.

In 1985, at the age of 22, Isabel took a courageous leap of faith and immigrated to Canada to begin a new life in North America in order to provide more opportunity for her future family.

Isabel was an amazing mother, wife, sister, aunt, godmother, friend, cousin, neighbour, coworker, and person. She gave 110% to everything she did, always going above and beyond for those around her. She always did the most she can for people. She would move mountains to help anyone in need, often putting others first without hesitation.

She carried so much love in her heart, was known for her unconditional love, radiant happiness, boundless generosity, warm smile, and contagious uplifting energy. Even when she became sick, her first thoughts were never for herself but for those she loved— worrying about who would help the neighbour with groceries, how her family would manage, and how everyone else would be cared for. That selfless spirit defined her completely. She worried about everyone except herself, because that’s who she was: someone who lived her life thinking of others.

Anyone fortunate enough to have known her was truly blessed to receive her love and vibrant energy.

In December 2023, we received the heartbreaking news of her cancer diagnosis. Doctors initially gave her no more than three months to live. Yet Isabel refused to accept that prognosis. With fierce determination, she fought courageously for over two years, defying expectations and proving the doctors wrong through her strength and will.

Sadly, in February 2026, Maria Isabel De Jesus Batista passed away peacefully and returned to God.

Though she is no longer with us physically, Isabel is gone but never forgotten. She lives on and remains in the hearts of everyone she touched and will continue to shine through us.

We wish we could tell her one more time how much she meant to us—how her kindness shaped our days, how grateful we are for every conversation, every laugh, every small moment that now feels monumental. Her love, her generosity, and her caring heart remain with us always.

She was a beautiful, innocent soul—rare and irreplaceable. She will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to share in her light.

Isabel was born on June 21, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. May every summer solstice bring her memory flooding back, filling your hearts and homes with her warmth, just like the sun’s rays.

On behalf of the family: thank you to everyone who brought love and joy into Isabel’s life—her friends, family, neighbours, coworkers, and all who knew her. She made the world softer, kinder, and brighter.

We will remember her with love for the rest of our lives. We look forward to the day we reunite with you. We will miss you & think about you everyday. Until then, continue watching over us, as we know you always will. Rest in peace, Maria Isabel De Jesus Batista.

Forever in our hearts.