Meena Menezes Madanda

Born on March 14th, 1934 in Mangalore (Miraj), India to Ethel and Sylvester Menezes, Meena was the second of six children, who remained close all of their lives. After completing school, Meena worked at the telegraph office in Belgaum, India until her marriage in 1964 to Tom (K.P.) Madanda. That same year, Tom and Meena immigrated to Canada, where Tom, an electrical engineer, had secured a position at Alcan Aluminium. They travelled via cruise ship, stopping in Rome for a honeymoon along the way. Fashionable Meena was well prepared for the trip, having had tailored, in India, outfits inspired by Audrey Hepburn in the movie “Roman Holiday”. Some of that clothing endures even today.

In Canada, Tom and Meena settled in Arvida (Jonquière), a francophone town in the Saguenay Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec. Unfazed by the culture shock, Meena learned French, learned how to drive in snow, and dedicated her life to raising a family as part of her new community. Meena’s commitment to volunteer work started here, where she dedicated countless hours at the Saguenay Valley Elementary School Library, the school her children attended. The family subsequently relocated to Beaconsfield in 1977, where Meena continued as a volunteer at the Beaconsfield High School Library and subsequently with the Citizen’s Advocacy, with whom she volunteered for over 25 years. Meena also enjoyed Bridge and Tennis, both of which she played regularly with a group of wonderful friends into her 70’s.

Meena was a pillar of strength, encouragement and unconditional support to her family, never failing to be at our sides in all our endeavors. She was also a beacon of light and hope to her community, earning recognition as one of the longest serving volunteers with the Citizen’s Advocacy Program.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom (d. May 24th, 2017) and sisters Maude Lobo and Mabel Erevelles, Meena leaves a loving legacy through her children, Karina and Ramesh Lawrence (Melanie), sisters Irene Menezes and Marjorie Norona, brother Raymond Menezes and her many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family extends our gratitude to the Sunrise of Beaconsfield, for the wonderful care and the dignity with which Meena lived out her final years. As a beloved resident of the Sunrise of Beaconsfield in her final years, Meena was known for her gentle nature, quick wit and resilient energy.

In remembrance, a gathering will take place on Friday, November 1st, 2024, at The Church of Saint John the Baptist, 233 Ste-Claire Ave., Pointe-Claire, QC, where we will honor Meena’s enduring impact on our hearts. Visitation / Reception will commence at 10:30AM, followed by a service at 12:30PM, and Burial at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Pointe Claire at 2:00PM.