Maria Margaret De Melo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Maria Margaret De Melo on February 14, 2026 at her home in Toronto, Canada. Margaret, as she preferred, quietly passed away at the age of 66 years young.

Margaret was born in Ponta Delgada, on the Portuguese island of Sao Miguel, on October 24, 1959 – a place that she felt deeply connected to, was extremely proud of, and held a special place in her heart. Margaret carried the warmth of her homeland with her wherever she went. The tranquil landscape, the beaches and most importantly, the people of Sao Miguel – “back home” – remained close to her heart throughout her life. Portugal, but Sao Miguel specifically, was a place she always spoke so proudly of, and was the looked forward to revisiting, and she deeply cherished her cherishing.

Margaret was the beloved daughter of Joyce and Fernando, whose love and guidance shaped the smart, kind, strong and compassionate woman she became. She was a devoted and loving mother to Vanessa De Melo - her only daughter, the light of her life, her life’s purpose, and certainly - her proudest accomplishment.

She will be missed by all those she touched across continents and seas. Her absence and the immense void left by it, will be deeply felt by her mother Joyce, daughter – Vanessa, her siblings – Louis, Carlos and Alex, and nieces and nephew Joardan, Katie and Mickey to whom she was a proud and caring “Tia”. Family meant everything to Margaret. She treasured every gathering, celebration, and simple moment spent with her family.

Margaret had a deep passion for wellness and believed in living life with balance and intention. She found true joy and fulfillment in her career as a Project Manager for a design firm, where her attention to detail, precision, and natural talent transformed spaces into welcoming offices."

She approached her work as she approached everything else in her life – with dedication and pride. Her talent and passion were evident and she was often praised and recognized for leaving her personal touch in every project she completed.

A social and beautiful soul by nature, Margaret thrived in the company of not only her many family and friends, but she knew how to connect with anyone in a room and she went to extreme efforts to ensure all those around her felt welcomed, included and comfortable. Her laughter, warmth, and open heart made everyone feel at ease. She had a gift for connection and built lasting friendships wherever life took her.

Though her passing was sudden and far too soon, Margaret’s love, strength, and vibrant spirit will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her kindness, her style, her devotion to family, and her unwavering appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

May she rest in eternal peace.