Amparo (nee. Uriarte) Findlay

Amparo Findlay (nee Uriarte) was born on October 24th, 1923 in Valencia, Spain. Her recent passing at the age of 97 has left her family saddened but relieved that she is finally at peace. Amparo’s early years in Spain were a combination of happy and turbulent experiences. After losing her father in her early teens, she also endured the harrowing Spanish Civil War that brought profound loss, food insecurity and constant threat of danger. While this experience shaped her unlike any other she also shared her fond memories of spending summers in the town of Bocairente, her mother’s birthplace, where with her brother Jesus (Joe) and Francisca she felt free to play, roam and explore the surrounding hills and caves. It was the perfect peaceful summer escape. She sometimes shared her recollections of this time and we loved and admired her that much more for her strength, resilience, bravery and sensitivity.

Amparo became an exceptional seamstress working for a prominent tailor in Valencia until 1952, when she immigrated to Canada with her brother. Within a few years, her mother, sister and niece joined them.

Like so many others at the time, soon after arriving in Montreal, Amparo settled in Toronto where she quickly adapted and flourished in a new environment, including finding work as a nanny with the Eaton family (Alan Young Eaton). Within a short time, she met Bill and they married, and in addition to welcoming her stepson Colin, had 5 children together, Isabel, Douglas, Michael, Amparo and Robert.

Amparo’s home was a combination of Spanish customs and culture with a Canadian twist. She maintained strong ties to Spain with her annual trips to her ‘tierra’. Family was always her priority where ongoing gatherings with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and later as a mother in-law with grandchildren and great grandchildren were without a doubt a source of immense pride and happiness for her. On these occasions, she displayed her exceptional talent for hospitality and Spanish cuisine. To this day there are many with fond memories of Amparo’s Paella. Amparo had a large group of Spanish friends and is remembered by many for her warmth, friendship & support as a confidante to her closest friends, and her popularity for hosting Canasta card games and themed parties.

Along the way, Amparo touched the lives of many, many people. In her own language she was witty, charming and fun. In her 2nd language - English, people responded to her smile, warmth and sensitivity. Her authenticity was infectious and without a doubt has contributed something memorable to each of her twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Later in life our Amparo was especially grateful to the many lovely people that became her doctors, nurse practitioners, support workers and caregivers, all of whom responded so positively to her beautiful heart and gratitude with several becoming her best friends. Her family is truly grateful to all.

Now at peace our mother Amparo can be very proud of the legacy that she left and the lives she has touched. We are forever grateful for her gift to us all.

Online condolences may be left at The Jerrett Funeral Home - Scarborough Chapel