Mary Cordeiro (Family Friend)

Entered May 17, 2021 from Mississauga

We travelled many times together down south in the Winnebago and Avó Lena was always at the centre of the family outings. Strawberry picking and a ride on the tractor brought childhood smiles to her face. A visit to Timmies for a donut and coffee after mass on Sundays was an appreciated treat. What about the garage sales and how many cups and saucers! She looked after my children and they knew her as Avó. When her husband was bedridden at home after his stroke it was my husband Mário who helped her turn and suction him when her daughters were not available and the key point here is that she never forgot this and was always so appreciative. She was a gentle soul whose essence radiated kindness, humility and love for all especially children and her family. Our greatest condolences to the family. The Cordeiro Family

Maria Almeida (Niece)

Entered May 17, 2021 from Mississauga

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, I know how much she meant to each and everyone of you and the special bond you shared. We were so blessed to have such a beautiful soul in our lives for as long as we did. I will miss my visits with her but so grateful for the time we shared. Rest In Peace my beautiful Tia. Love you dearly❤️

Jennifer Lisboa-Di Michele (Family friend)

Entered May 18, 2021 from Oakville

There are not many times when we can truly call friends, family; but I am blessed to say that this time was one of them. I was blessed to have known Avó Helena since I was very young. I grew up with Fatima and her entire family. We were neighbors, good friends and I can say we were like family. We are so luck to have our grandmothers, Avó’s really are the pillar of strength that hold families together. What an amazing lady Helena was. When I think of her, I remember she always had a beautiful and humble smile on her face. She was always very welcoming, no matter who was running in or out of the house, and she also gave the best hugs. She never complained about anything to do with herself, I only remember her talking about how her heart would ache if any of her family were not well or suffering. I remember how dedicated she was to your Avô and how his suffering made her so sad; but she was so resilient and to me that was amazing. Whenever it would get busy in the house and she needed a break I remember she would turn to me and say something like, “come on Jenni let’s go get a cookie” and her smile was back. She was always very comforting and made us all feel so safe. This is my memory of your beautiful Avó when you guys use to live on Louis Drive and we were all neighbours. The good ole days. Thanks for sharing her with all of us. It’s amazing how many lives she touched - a beautiful woman a legacy to her beautiful family. My love, prayers and condolences to all of you. xoxo

Anita and Vish Roodal (Friend to Liz)

Entered May 18, 2021

Sending warm hugs and loving thoughts to you and your family Liz. I remember the stories you would share about your granny and you always lit up as you spoke about her.
Anita and Vish

Isaacs Family (Friends of Liz’s Family)

Entered May 19, 2021 from Mississauga

Thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family. Liz and her family have been our neighbours for almost 14 years now and our daughter is friends with Brianna and knew how much Helena meant to the family. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Helena Augusta Da Silva or as we knew her, granny, avó, and mãe was born on the island of Faial, Azores Portugal and was the youngest of 14 children. She married Francisco (Alberto) da Silva and had 3 daughters: Fatima, Elsa, and Cidalia.

In 1967, she and her husband immigrated to Canada to join her daughter Fatima and son-in-law, Manuel Toste to be close to the family. Avó Helena was an incredibly caregiver and grandmother who helped raise Fatima's four children Helen, Elizabeth, Richard and Paul. She lived with family her entire life and was adored by all of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that were constantly visiting her.

I spent many hours with my grandma listening to her many stories and memories of her growing up back home. We laughed together often and shared many joyous moments that I will treasure for a lifetime. She cared for me like I was her son and gave me unconditional love. I am so grateful that she was able to spend some time at my home last summer and watch my kids play in the backyard pool with a smile that lit up the sky. My wife Wendy was like another granddaughter to granny and she too loved her visits with her. She often visited granny on her own when she was living with tia Elsa and found creative ways to communicate with her which produced many good belly aching laughs.

Words could never describe the sadness her leaving us has left my heart and emptiness I sometimes feel without her. I sometimes close my eyes and pretend That I can still se her. I know that grief is like this and it will visit me often in the years to come. I will take some solace knowing that she is at peace now, she lived her life to the fullest, and was loved by so many that knew her.

Her presence with us in this life was truly a special blessing, we were so lucky to have her in our lives for so long.

May God hold her with my mom and all of the other angels in heaven knowing that we will honor her life with love, humility, and service to others.

Love,...

Richard Toste