Maria P. Chicharro Araujo

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Maria Pimentel Araujo. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Maria was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      Maria was born at home and delivered by a midwife in Agua Retorta, S. Miguel, Azores, Portugal. She was the daughter of Manuel Pimentel Chicharro and Rosa Luis Pereira and was raised in Agua Retorta. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Maria was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Maria's personality throughout her life.

      Though Maria was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Maria was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Maria worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Maria was raised with four siblings. She had one sister, Rosa and three brothers, Humberto, Manuel and Gabriel. Maria and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      There was one thing that all of Maria's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Maria was such a popular person throughout her life. But Maria was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Maria was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Maria was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Maria was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Maria was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Maria made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Maria Resendes. Luciana, Tia Espirito Santo. Later in life, she became friends with Belmira, Berta, Sr. Conceicao and Rosa Torres.

      Maria was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Maria cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On May 14, 1949 Maria married Prudencio Araujo at Igreja Da Matriz of Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel, Azores. Compassionate and devoted, Maria worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Maria and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Maria was blessed with three children, three daughter, Louisa, Helena and Manuela. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Rick, Tim, Lisa and Melissa. Maria was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Maria was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Maria would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Maria, and she expected the same from those around her. Maria was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Maria was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Maria handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was as a labourer. She was employed for 17 years by Irwin Toy Inc. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Maria enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favourite pursuits were sewing and crocheting.

      Maria was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Maria was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Maria also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favourite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey, wrestling and soccer.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Maria well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Mary of the People Catholic Church for 35 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Maria enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favourite places. Favourite vacations included trips Portugal, Boston and Florida.

      Maria was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favourites was Lucky, the cat, who was a best friend for 13 years.

      Since it was easy for Maria to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Maria was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1981. Her new life involved relocating to Whitby from Toronto. In retirement, she found new pleasure in watching programs on the multicultural channel. Even in retirement, Maria stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Maria passed away on October 19, 2011 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, Ontario from a spinal tumor. She is survived by daughters Louisa, Helena and Manuela, son-in-laws, David and Tony, grandchildren, Rick (Kathy), Tim (Natasha), Lisa (Anthony) and Melissa, great grandchildren, Tyler, Nathan and Alessia, and brothers, Manuel and Gabriel. Services were held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Whitby, Ontario. Maria was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Toronto, Ontario.

      Maria was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Maria was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Maria Pimentel Araujo.