Antonio de Sousa Borges

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Antonio Borges on October 20th, 2024, at the age of 92. Born in São Miguel, Açores, Portugal, Antonio was raised by humble and hardworking parents Manuel & Maria Borges who instilled in him a love of the land. He grew up working the fields and fishing, even telling us stories of catching squid with his bare hands. He brought that same work ethic and love for the outdoors with him when he moved to Canada, building a life here for his family. Antonio passed at home in Ottawa.

Antonio was a man of few words, but he didn’t need many to show how much he cared. He was incredibly self-sufficient, from building his own basement to tending to his bountiful garden, and cooking delicious Portuguese meals for his family and friends.

He was a devoted husband to his beloved Maria Madalena Borges (nee Pereira), the light of his life. He was serious most of the time, but Madalena never failed to make him laugh. Some of our favorite photos of him are when she cracked a joke, and you could see that rare smile.

He was a strong man in more ways than one. As a father, grandfather and godfather, he taught us so much about resilience and the importance of appreciating life’s simple pleasures, like a nice glass of port, a well-kept garden, and time spent with family. Antonio passed peacefully at home as he wished, with his daughter by his side, watching mass after being visited by his granddaughters and Margarida (late husband Pal Vietorisz). He lived a full and meaningful life, rooted in family, tradition, and the joy of being outdoors.

Antonio is survived by his daughter Maria Do Carmo Daigle (nee Borges) and husband Ed Daigle, granddaughter Madeleine Grant (nee Daigle) and husband Robert Grant, grandaughter Catherine Daigle, and his sister Maria Do Carmo Borges. Though he’s no longer with us, we’ll always hold onto the memories of him sitting at the front of the house, chatting with grandma, or tending to his garden. He was an incredible man, and his love and strength will stay with us forever.