Yvette Maria D’Silva, 95, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her beloved family on December 16, 2024. She was born on November 17, 1929, in Cawnpore to Apolinario and Luizinha Pinto.
She graduated from the University of Pune with Honours with a Bachelor of Arts. She started her career as a teacher at St Lawrence School in Karachi. Yvette married Jerome, her late husband, in 1953 at St Lawrence Parish in Cincinnatus Town. They were happily married and completed their 64th Wedding Anniversary on April 19, 2017.

Yvette is survived by her eight children: Lynette (late David deSouza), Ashley (Lorna), Naomi (Hubert Coutts), Aureen (Michael Pinto), Elena (Lyndon Mascarenhas), Desmond (late Gillian), Rodney (Rosemary), and Keith (Esther); her 26 grandchildren: Elliot, Noella (Michael), Christina, Andrea (David), Mark (Cassandra), Rachel (Stephen), Adam (Alanna), Conrad (Manny), Daniel (Vanessa), Laura (Spencer), Erica (Arad), Warren, Dean (Nirali), Amelia (Renato), Roland, Wendall (Byanca), Colette (David), Victoria (Simon), Matthew (Sam), Kristen, Tyler, Kaitlin, Alexis, Nathan, Megan and Liam; her 37 great-grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Yvette was preceded in death by her husband Jerome; parents Apolinario and Luizinha Pinto; siblings Francis, Jane, Carmel, Martha, Peter, Claire, Dora, Albert, Ozzie and Joyce; daughter Martina; grandson Kyle; son-in-law David; and daughter-in-law Gillian.

A visitation will be held at Turner & Porter "Peel Chapel", 2180 Hurontario St., (Hwy 10 N. of QEW) Mississauga, L5B 1M8 at 2-6pm on Sunday January 12, 2025. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Clement Church, 409 Markland Drive, (at Bloor St.) Etobicoke, M9C 1S5, on Thursday January 16, 2025, at 10 am. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2099 Dickson Rd, and Port Credit Mississauga, L5B 1Y6.

For those who wish, memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Missionaries of Charity at 185 Dunn Ave, Toronto, M6K 2S1; Ph: 416-537-1391.

The Story

Our mother, Yvette D’Silva, was the unwavering bedrock of our family. Her life was deeply rooted in her abiding Catholic faith, which shaped her principles and guided her every action. A woman of immense grace and compassion, she bore no malice toward anyone and always sought to see the good in everyone she encountered. Her unwavering integrity, steadfast values, and dedication to daily mass became the foundation upon which she raised her children.

Yvette selflessly set aside her personal aspirations to dedicate herself fully to raising her nine children, even enduring the heartbreaking loss of Martina, who passed away at just one year old. Her greatest pride was her family, and her enduring legacy will always be the integrity and moral fiber she instilled in each of her children.

A strong, resilient woman, Yvette cherished her independence and embraced life’s challenges with grace. Although strong-willed, she supported her husband unconditionally in all his business ventures, including making the courageous decision to leave Pakistan and immigrate to Canada. Starting over with nothing, she faced the struggles of a new immigrant without complaint, accepting every challenge as a necessary sacrifice for the good of her family.

Yvette led by example in every aspect of her life. She always presented herself with poise and elegance, believing in the importance of looking and feeling your best. She exercised daily, prioritizing health and vitality, and was an exceptional chef whose culinary skills inspired others to adopt her mantra of balanced living. As a devoted and nurturing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Yvette’s boundless encouragement and unwavering support inspired all of us to strive for excellence while remaining honest, kind, and decent. Her wisdom and love were a constant beacon, guiding us through life’s challenges with strength and hope.

Today, we honor and celebrate our beloved mother, Yvette D’Silva, for the profound and integral role she played in shaping our lives. Her love, sacrifices, and values will forever remain etched in our hearts and will continue to guide us for generations to come.

To our dearest mother, Yvette D’Silva, we offer all our love and gratitude.