It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my Mom, Odete Velosa Pereira. Her soul departed this mortal coil on September 6th, 2023 at the age of 88. She was born and raised in Funchal Madeira Portugal to a family that included her parents Virginia Assuncao (Deceased) and Jose (deceased), her brothers Antonio (Deceased) and Hermes (Deceased) as well as her younger sister, my beautiful aunt Rita. She emigrated to Canada in 1965 with my Father Agostinho (deceased) to join Rita and Hermes in Toronto. Typical of my mom's 'can do' attitude she went to work taking whatever job she could get. She settled on being a meat packer at Toronto Abbatoirs. She first went there as a cleaner and then seeing some of the other jobs at the plant she decided to switch to a typically male role position. Her bosses were sceptical that she could keep up. Boy did she prove them wrong, She excelled and was making a good earning. Her dream was to own her own home which she managed to do. She always told me, " If you really want something, go get it" Her work ethic was second to none. She had me in 1968. The best Mae a son could have. She had a huge heart but also tough when she wanted to be ( Her slipper aim was off the charts.)
She is my rock, I would not be the person I am today without her love and guidance. She instilled in me values that i hold dear. I have always said in my professional career that I stand on the shoulders of the people before me. Through them we move forward to be better. I did not stand on her shoulders, She threw me Up!
I know she passed knowing that my family is good and that was always her primary concern, never for herself. Always thinking of her grand children Gabrielle, Abby, and Sofia. Man did she spoil them, every chance she got.
God I'm going to miss you Mae, especially our conversations over a nice coffee. You told me not to cry when this happened, to think of the good times (Man they are plentiful). I'm sorry, I failed miserably on that one.
You will be missed. Love you Mae!