Etelvina Gil Barroca

Barroca, Etelvina Gil (February 25, 1946 – February 20, 2025).

Our world is greatly saddened with the passing of Etelvina Barroca at the age of 78 in Surrey, BC from a long hard-fought battle with cancer. Etelvina touched the hearts of everyone she knew. Her unmatched work ethic, generous spirit and nourishing heart will be sadly missed by all.

She is survived by loving husband Pasquale, daughter Odette, her husband Jorge, and their children Mathew, Andrea and her husband Brendan, daughter Irene, her husband Todd, and their children Evan and Rebecca, stepdaughter Laura, her husband Cam, their children Matthew and his wife Sarah, Alex and his fiancée Kailee, step-son Marco and his wife Laura, Pat’s granddaughter Ella and Etelvina's siblings Carmina, Pedro and Herminio. Etelvina was predeceased by her husband Damaso, parents Jose Ramos and Carmina, siblings Jose Solipa, Maria, Joaquim, Antonio, Luis, Jose Ramos, and Pat’s daughter Maria.

She was born in Sao Martinho, Beira Baixa, Portugal. She immigrated to Canada in 1965 and began working as a dishwasher in restaurants. She quickly was promoted to cook because of her efforts. In 1975, her and her family moved to the Southern Okanagan. Always eager to take on new challenges, she began a new career as an orchardist. During those 17 years, she also spent some time as a local Motel owner. In 1991, she joined her husband as a bowling proprietor of Kobau Lanes in Osoyoos. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and sewing. There really wasn’t anything that she couldn’t do when she put her mind to it.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, she moved to the lower mainland to enjoy spending time with her daughters and their families. She re-found love and companionship with Pasquale (Pat). Together they traveled, danced, cooked, entertained, gardened and hunted together. He was by her side until the end. She will be sadly missed by family and the many friends she had made over the years thanks to her helpful nature and presence.

A prayer service for Etelvina will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 28th Ave, Surrey, BC.

A funeral service will occur Friday, February 28, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery, 15694 32 Ave, Surrey, BC.

A graveside service will occur Friday, February 28, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery, 15694 32 Ave, Surrey, BC.

A reception will occur Friday, February 28, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 14831 28th Ave, Surrey, BC.