Mrs. Monica Carmelina D'Souza Cardozo

      In the song of life, Mrs. Monica Carmelina Cardozo was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Monica preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Monica believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn't fit in everything she did. Monica perceived that all of life's possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

      Monica was born on July 16, 1938 at Anjuna in Goa, India. Her parents were Sebastiao and Maria D'Souza. Monica was raised in Anjuna, Goa. As a young child, Monica was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Monica rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

      Early on in her family relationships, Monica showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with two siblings. She had one older brother Milton, and one younger brother Romeo. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As she was growing up, Monica developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Monica liked concrete things. Growing up, Monica took part in activities with the boys such playing marbles and fishing. However, to Monica, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Those who didn't know Monica well might not view her as being an outgoing person, but those who called her their friend knew differently. Monica was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Monica's, you understood how true a friend she could be. Later in life, she became friends with Pansy, Amelia, Janet, Afra, Debbie, Yodit, Ophelia and Nigisty.

      A person who was sensitive to others' feelings, modest and tolerant, Monica had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned.

      Monica was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Monica was blessed with five children, three sons, Romeo, Stephen and Paul, and two daughters, Auta and Dolorosa. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Jessica, Monica, Avalon, Chantelle, Shelby, Courtney, Sonia, Samuel, Kelly, Yasmin.

      Monica found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was as a factory worker. She was employed for 20 years by HB Ribbons Ltd. Monica tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

      Monica enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were fishing, cooking, attending prayer group, watching Bollywood movies, "Smallville" and "The Young and the Restless". Monica was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

      Monica liked sports. Monica was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey, tennis, baseball, figure skating.

      Throughout her life, Monica was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Monica was an active member of the GOAN Overseas Association. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

      Monica's faith was important to her. She was a member of St. Joseph's Parish for 11 years. Monica's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

      Because she loved the world around her, Monica enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her, to visit new places and experience new things. Monica put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included trips to St. Petersburg, Florida.

      Monica was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Monica's favorites was Mitsy, a Miniature Poodle. They were best friends for 8 years. Her family was rounded out by her dog Fluffy.

      When Monica's retirement finally arrived in 1993, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida, where she and her husband purchased a trailer home. In retirement, she found new pleasure in her prayer group, aerobic classes, bike riding, and fishing. Even in retirement, Monica continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

      Monica passed away on November 21, 2008 at Rouge Valley Health Systems - Centenary Site, Scarborough. Monica fought a brave battle on many health fronts, and died of cardiac arrest. She is survived by her children Romeo, Auta, Stephen, Dolorosa; her grandchildren Jessica, Monica, Avalon, Chantelle, Shelby, Courtney, Sonia, Samuel, Kelly and Yasmin; and great grand-daughter Eva. Services were held at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home and Cremation Centre. Monica was laid to rest in Beechwood Cemetery in Vaughan, Ontario.

      Monica was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Monica always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Monica was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Mrs. Monica Carmelina Cardozo.