Maria da Ascensao Fontes Neto Rodrigues

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and Vóvia, Maria Da Acensāo Fontes Neto Rodrigues. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and daughters on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the age of 71. Maria courageously fought her battle with cancer for many years.

Maria (Sāo) was born on May 14, 1953, in Moledo, Portugal. She is now reunited with her parents Eleutério and Rita Neto, her in laws, Joāo and Maria Rodrigues, her brother-in-law Jorge Curto and numerous tias, tios, primos and amigos. She is survived by her husband Baltazar, who she was happily married to for almost fifty years; her daughters Kathleen (BJ), Melanie (Bryan), Shannon (Matthew), and her beautiful grandchildren Trayecen, Paxxtyn, Kyngstin, Sophie, Paityn, Lucy and Owen.

Maria came to Canada in December 1976 , along with her husband Baltazar, and they worked to establish their lives here in Prince George. Maria raised her three daughters and worked at the YMCA for many years in the Child Minding Department, where she loved and cared for many children and their families. Maria always demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for helping those around her, which she instilled in her own children.

Maria fiercely loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and her close friends. She was adored by all who knew her as a very kind and loving soul. She was a supportive mother and a loving Vóvia. Her family, friends and all those who knew her will miss her great love, compassion, strength and beaming smile.

The family wants to extend their heartfelt love and appreciation the incredible doctors, nurses and staff at the BC Cancer Clinic, particularly Dr. Hunter and Tish Trevelyan, the loving staff at the Hospice House, the caring nurses on the Palliative team, and her incredibly dedicated and loving family doctor, Dr. Yu. The family also wants to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of condolences and who have stopped by with food, flowers and hugs!

Prayers will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 3285 Cathedral Avenue on April 25, 2025 at 7pm and her funeral service will be held on April 26, 2025 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Prince George Hospice House or to the childcare department at the Prince George YMCA in Maria’s name.