It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our matriarch Olinda de Almedia Martins on Saturday November 5th 2022, at the age of 77. She died with her family at her side at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto.

Loving mother to Hugo Alves and daughter-in-law Nevila and cherished grandmother to Patris and Edison. Beloved daughter of Inocencio and Sara Martins, Olinda is survived by her brothers Ernesto, Joaquim, Eduardo and Antonio and predeceased by her sisters Gloria and Natalia. She was a thoughtful and caring sister-in-law and loved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Born on February 22nd 1945 in Viseu, Portugal, Olinda immigrated to Canada in the 70s and worked tirelessly to provide a great life for her family. A devout Catholic, her faith in God was strong and unwavering. She loved her family and her heritage and never allowed time or distance apart to weaken our connection to Portugal or our love for our family there. While she always missed her siblings in Portugal, she was blessed with the love and friendship of many here in Canada. Throughout decades of working in the jewelry and garment industries, she made many lifelong friendships that became her extended family in Canada. She was a doting mother and grandmother and a fiercely loyal, thoughtful and caring friend who will be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her.

Olinda took joy in the simple things in life. An avid gardener, she had a green thumb and seemed to be able to coax any flower or vegetable to grow beautifully in virtually any conditions. She loved to cook and entertain friends and family and was in her element and at her happiest when she was helping or taking care of others. A seamstress by trade she took impeccable care of her clothes and was always busy sewing and knitting for family and friends. Irrespective of the task, she took an immense amount of pride in her work and took joy in a job well done. She will be remembered as an honest, caring, compassionate and generous person who will be dearly missed but will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

Visitation will be held on Saturday November 12th between 11:00 am to 1:00pm at Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel 2357 Boor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4. A private inurnment service will be held on Saturday November 19th at 10:00 am at Park Lawn Cemetery in Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a food bank or animal shelter as that would have made Olinda happiest.