Stella Faustina Menezes

With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Stella Faustina Menezes, who left this world surrounded by the love of her family on 25 May 2025. She was the heart and soul of our lives, and her presence was a gift we will cherish forever.

Beloved wife of Ivan Menezes, loving mother of Melody (Jamie Thiessen) and Christopher (Holly Tschirhart), and cherished grandmother of Lachlan and Jude. She will be deeply missed by her siblings Norbert (Lorraine) D’Costa and Mariola Mascarenhas; her mother-in-law Gladys Menezes; her siblings-in-law Diana (Anthony) Pinto, Lorna (Flavian) Pinto, Allan Menezes; as well as by her many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Predeceased by her parents Leticia (nee Alvares) and Elias D’Costa.

Stella had a smile that could light up any room and a warmth in her embrace that made everything feel right. She was a woman of incredible strength and unwavering spirit, never afraid to speak her mind, and had the rare ability to make friends everywhere she went. She knew who she was, and she lived her life with purpose, grace, and courage.

After Stella completed her Master’s degree in History, she worked as a teacher in India, taking after her mother (Leticia D'Costa, 1923 - 2016). When she moved to Canada, she built a meaningful career as a Senior Claims Specialist at RBC, where she proudly told her family that she helped people get the care they needed. It was more than just a job to her — it was a way to make a difference in people’s lives.

As the matriarch of our family, she was our anchor and our guide. Her deep love for family and friends was evident in everything she did — in her words, her laughter, and her presence. She brought people together, nurtured generations, and created a home filled with love, warmth, and memories we will hold dear forever.

Though she has left this earth, she will never leave our hearts. We take comfort in knowing we now have an angel in heaven watching over us. Until we meet again, her spirit will live on in each of us — in every smile, every hug, and every moment of strength we draw from her example.

Rest in peace, our beautiful mother. You will always be missed, always remembered, and always loved.