Elisa da Silva Pinto

Elisa da Silva Pinto passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29th, 2025 at the remarkable,age of 101. Never one for spectacle, she lived with grace and left the same way-quietly and with intention.

She was born in Soianda, Tomar, Portugal on April 22nd, 1924. At the age of 22 she moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue her life’s endeavours before relocating to England. In 1956, she settled in Montreal and married her beloved husband, the late Celestino Pinto. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. In the early 1960s they launched Latino Grocery Store on Mont-Royal Avenue - a thriving family business that marked the beginning of Elisa’s entrepreneurial path. While working at the store, she began a part time role as a travel agent, which soon became her second full-fledged venture: Royal Latino Travel Agency, also located on Mont-Royal Ave. Opening its doors in the late 1970s, the agency quickly became a community staple. Elisa was a tour de force - a woman ahead of her time. Independent, sharp and hardworking,

She brought care and precision to everything she did. She was always ready to help those in need, whether family, friend, or neighbour, she was a devoted mother to Teresa (late José), Frank (Rita), and John. A proud and adoring grandmother to Nancy (late Tony), Nelson (Laurie), Jason (Sheree), Ryan (Jessica), Jessica (Gen), Allie (Myles), Shawn (Kaylee), and Amanda. She is lovingly remembered by her ten great-grandchildren, who called her “Vosinha”: Sarah, Christian, Isabella, Emilia, Carter, Celeste, Miles, Josie, and the newest additions, Roman and Tomás. Elisa will be thought of in every card game, every batch of perfectly creamy scrambled eggs, the many crocheted blankets and baby outfits, in the joy of listening more than speaking, in tokens of the past carefully preserved and in her affection for all things British – especially Queen Elizabeth, whom she revered. Although she was looking forward to receiving her congratulatory 100th birthday card from Her Majesty, Elisa – in characteristic fashion managed to outlive her. Above all else, however, she cherished the crown she chose for herself: her family - all of whom carry pieces of her legacy in who they are and how they love. Elisa’s life was long, layered and fully lived. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her strength and impact will remain everlasting.

Our Heartfelt Thanks to the dedicated 4th floor staff of Centre d'Hébergement de Saint-Henri (CHSLD) for their tireless devotion, support and care of our mom and to Joseph at reception who always greeted us with a warm smile.

Visitation for Family and Friends will take place at

Centre funéraire Côte-des-Neiges

4525 Côte-des-Neiges,

Montreal QC, H3V 1E7

on Thursday October 16th, 2025

From 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00pm.

Private Burial will follow.