OBITUARY
Mrs. Bridget Ida De Souza
October 8, 1937 – February 17, 2021
Bridget Ida De Souza (née D’Souza), beloved and devoted wife and mother, died peacefully on Wednesday February 17, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario at the age of 83. Bridget Ida is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dr. Aloysius Phillip De Souza, and daughter, Dr. Claire Michelle De Souza. Bridget Ida was born on October 8, 1937 in Zanzibar, East Africa to Ruth (née De Souza) and Feliciano D’Souza. She was sister to Altina Lobo (née D’Souza) and Father Stanley D'Souza (recently deceased). She studied at St. Joseph’s Convent School in Zanzibar. She enjoyed spending time with friends in Zanzibar and in Dar-es-Salam, Tanzania. She traveled to the United Kingdom where she trained and worked as a nurse and a midwife in London and in Oxford. She fondly recalled travelling by bicycle in Oxford to support mothers-to-be in the community. She rose to the ranks of nursing administration in London, England. On September 12, 1970, she married fellow Zanzibari Dr. Aloysius De Souza whom she had known since childhood. He studied medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland and commenced his family practice in England.
The couple moved to Canada in 1976 and soon after, established a successful medical practice in Scarborough from 1977 until 2014 where Bridget Ida provided support to countless families. She was proud to see her daughter embrace the medical field and continue the family commitment to serving the community. Bridget Ida took great pride in her Goan ancestry from Parra, Goa and from Zanzibar, East Africa. Perhaps because she was born on an island, or due to wonderful memories spent sailing on a ship with her dad, a naval engineer, she loved to be close to the water, and especially enjoyed cruises with her family. She was an active and dedicated member of St. Joseph’s Parish, Highland Creek, Scarborough and found great comfort in her Catholic faith. She will be remembered as caring and compassionate, and dedicated to helping others. She will be greatly missed.
The service was live streamed and can be viewed at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/west-hill-on/bridget-de-souza-10063113. A memorial mass and celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackscarborough.com for the De Souza family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to True North Aid in memory of Bridget Ida De Souza at https://truenorthaid.ca/donate/.
DONATIONS
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Services
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Memorial Service
Friday, February 26, 2021
Memories
Mrs. Bridget Ida De Souza
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYElvira and Tony D'Souza
February 27, 2021
Dear Dr. Aloysius and Dr. Claire,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ida. Our prayers are with you and for her soul, that she may rest in the peace of Christ.
With fond memories of our friendship and all the good she has done for our family be assured she will help you more so now than ever.
Love,
Elvira and Tony
Irfan Mian
February 26, 2021
Dear Claire and Dr. Se Souza - my deepest condolences on your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Irfan Mian
Linda & Suria nee Rebeyro Cotta
February 26, 2021
Dear Tina and Ida's family,
Our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My memories go back to our school days in Zanzibar. The kindness and thoughtfulness of the De Souza family and passed down to the children will always be remembered. God bless you all and may Ida rest in peace.
Lilyan Moraes
February 26, 2021
Dear Dr. Aloysius and Claire
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing away of dear Ida.
We pray God gives you the strength to bear this great loss with fortitude and courage.
May her soul rest in peace.
Lilyan and Izar
( Daughter of Mabel D'Souza)
Lucy Goveas
February 26, 2021
Further to my earlier condolence message, I wish to advise that just after watching the livestream of Bridget Ida, I was pleased to note from Dr. Claire's eulogy what a fulfilling life Claire shared with her parents. Also, the name of my mother who Dr. Al looked after was Lourdes Gonsalves (mother of Cajetan, Philomena (deceased), Lucy and Loretta) and the Nursing home was in Whitby, Ontario.
May the Lord grant Bridget Ida Eternal Rest and may her soul Rest In Peace.
Lucy Goveas, Ottawa, Ontario
Lucy Goveas
February 26, 2021
My sincere condolences go to Dr. Aloysius, daughter Dr. Claire & her sister, Altina Lobo. May God give you all the peace, strength & courage to carry on and hold on to the good memories you have of Bridget Ida.
I remember well when my dear departed mother spoke of Dr. Al’s kindness when he was her doctor at a Nursing home in Toronto many years ago. He was very patient & full of humour.
May Bridget Ida’s soul Rest In Peace.
Grace and Patrick Dowling
February 26, 2021
Deepest condolences to Ida's family. She was a dear friend who visited us in Biggin Hill, Kent, UK before she was married, and later met up with us in Ireland at the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin. We enjoyed her company enormously , and we developed a deep affection for her. May she rest in Peace. Much love, Paddy and Grace.
Regina Pinto
February 26, 2021
My heartfelt condolences Dr.Aloyius and Clarire at the passing of A Ida.I am Regina,A Irene from Byculla, Bombay,India daughter . We have fond memories of A Ida when she lived next door to us. A real beauty, with a loving heart, and a joyful spirit. Always at the service of others. Praying that Dr Al and Dr Claire
Receives Gods consolation. Rest in peace A Ida.
Betty Pereira
February 26, 2021
Dear Alyoisus and Claire,
It is with great sadness that we learnt of Ida’s passing. So soon after loosing Fr. Stanley. Our deepest condolences to you and Claire at this difficult time.
We will remember Ida with fond memories especially when she visited our home in Kenya, when she resided in the UK. The fun time we spent with her filled with laughter, parties and dancing to the wee hours of the morning! She was always game to try out anything. The one thing that sticks out is how particular she was about doing things correctly. She excelled in her career and reminded us of the numbers of babies she delivered! The numbers were staggering!
Cling on to your memories of loving times spent together. We too mourn her and share in your grief. May Ida rest in the peace of Christ.
With love and in sympathy,
Betty, Trevor and Giles Pereira
(Uncle Thomas Lobo’s daughter)
Tina Lobo
February 25, 2021
Dear Al and Clair,
It is sad to lose a younger sister and that too so close after losing our only brother, Fr. Stanley, S.J.
My children and I will be keeping you both in our prayers for the next 40 days.
May Ida's soul Rest in Peace.
Tina and family.
MAUREEN N ALVITO REGO
February 25, 2021
Dear Dr. Dsouza n Dr.Claire
Our deepest sympathies on the sad demise of dear Ida.
May the Good Lord grant you strength and courage to bear your loss.
We thank God for the gift of her life to you her family, many relatives and friends. May Ida rest in peace
Alvito n Maureen [nee Lobo} Rego
Nairobi, Kenya
Colin/Blanche Lobo
February 25, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences on dear Bridget Ida D'souza ascending into Heaven on 17th February. We knew our dear Rev. Fr. Stanley through our dear cousin Irene Fialho who is my husband's (Colin's) 1st cousin nd godmother) . It is Irene's daughter Regina who sent us the message regarding Bridget's passing away.
Once again our heartfelt condolences. May her soul, her dear brother Fr. Stan & their parents souls RIP. Sent a snap of Colin & myself but with our fly friend who is no more. Sorry couldn't find with only the two of us. Please pardon us. Thank you for you understsnding
Cynthia Romany-Long
February 24, 2021
On behalf of all the members of the ex-Bible Group who attended the courses that Fr. Curtis gave at St. Joseph's Church, Highland Creek, in Scarborough, I'd like to offer our deepest sympathy and prayers at the passing of Mrs. Bridget Ida De Souza.
May Our Blessed Mother give the De Souza family strength and peace as she enfolds you in the mantle of consolation particularly at this time and forever.
Also, may Mrs. De Souza's soul and those of all the faithful departed, through God's Mercy, rest in eternal peace, Amen.
Co-ordinator
Ex-Bible Study Group
Chrystal Gomes
February 24, 2021
Dearest Ida,
Dad and I continue to feel shock and sadness over your passing. I cannot imagine I won't receive another phone call from you to check how Dad and I are doing, to give a helpful suggestion, or to tell me a joke you heard on the radio.
Thank you for your compassion, kindness, and concern.
Thank you for the warm friendship our family has always enjoyed with your family.
Thank you for sharing your unwavering faith in St. Anthony with me. He has come to my aid countless times, just as you said he always would.
May perpetual light shine upon you, dearest Ida, and may you rest in eternal peace in God's Heavenly Kingdom.
Dearest Al and Claire, our hearts hurt for you, and we pray for God to comfort and give you strength. May the countless happy memories you have of Ida fill the deep void her passing has left, and help you to feel Ida's spirit forever with you.
Love and God Bless,
Danny and Chrystal Gomes
Stella Fernandes
February 24, 2021
Our sincerest condolences to Dr. Al and Claire. Ever since my family's arrival to Canada, Ida has a been a great support to us. She has been a great guide to me and I will remember the advice she has given me over the years. I will always treasure our conversations. You will be dearly missed Ida.
- Stella Fernandes and Family
Fr. Curtis Gaston Poyer
February 24, 2021
Dr. Al, Bridget, and Dr. Claire hace always been in my thoughts and prayers.
Bridget, as she fondly told me to call her, together with Drs Al and Claire, and other great FRIENDS, were, have been, and continue to be, sources of unforgetable support to me, while in Canada, especially regarding my research and extra studies there, and in my time in México, and San Antonio. Bridget's memory is a deep blessing from the Lord for me, and those whose lives she touched.
Rom and Susan Lobo
February 24, 2021
Our sincere condolences to Dr Aloysius De Souza, Dr Claire, Mrs Tina Lobo and family.
I have the fondest memories of Ida and remember her taking me to my first day in school as a little girl. We lived opposite Ida's house in Zanzibar and her mum Mrs Chief taught me to play the piano. When I came to England in 1966 it was Ida that I first met in St. John's Wood. She was extremely kind to me and got me involved in all the G.O.A. functions that took place.
Rest in peace Ida.
Susan (nee Fernandes) and Rommel Lobo.
Edward Fernandes
February 24, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Edward & Violet
Ivor and Natty Viegas
February 24, 2021
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Ida.
May her soul rest in peace.
Loretta Marie Wood nee De Lord
February 24, 2021
Sent memory earlier
Orlando Fernandes
February 24, 2021
Dear Dr. D'Souza and Dr. Claire
Our deepest sympathies on the sad news of Ida's death.
We remember her very well at the clinic at McNicholl Ave. where we brought our children Lisa and Daniel for allergy assessments.
Also , remember her at the Saligao feast days celebrations (where on one occasion Dr. D'Souza saved Daniel from following the yellow line into the main road). She was always pleasant, thoughtful and happy to help.
Ida always made us welcome and arranged so much for us and other patients too and we were very grateful for having such good care.
We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers in thanksgiving for such a beautiful person in our lives and whose life was one of service.
Orlando and Lourdes
Richard Nunes
February 23, 2021
I have many happy memories of my time in Zanzibar. My sister Norma and I took piano lessons from Bridget's mother. Once a year we celebrated the Parra feast with lunch and dinner at our respective homes. As a boy I was once taken by Mr. 'CHIEF' to the engine room of his ship. It was a real thrill. Sad too the recent passing away of Fr. Stan, a friend and school mate. Two good lives, well lived.
Richard Nunes
Zanzibar, Parra
Paula Owolabi
February 23, 2021
My sincere condolences to Claire and dr Aloysius d'Souza on the passing of you dear mother and wife Ida Bridget d'Souza.
A blessing to have celebrated your golden anniversary of marriage which so many of us could only yearn and dream of achieving.
Toute c'est grace settlement la grace.
On reading your obituary today many shared experiences help me to understand better your interest in the music of my family honed through my experiences as a child chorister at St. Joseph's convent school in Port of Spain and Arima santa Rosa girls RC catholic elementary school in Arima Trinidad under the education of the sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Ireland, France and Spain.
Kola and kunle Owolabi and Kemi Owolabi Dey shared the heritage like Claire through friendship at St. Brendan's SS and Pope st John Paul 2 catholic secondary school in scarbrough On
The young men through St. Michael's cathedral basilica SMCS have honed sacred and organ music skills professionally
Bis orat qui cantata
St Augustine of Hippo
RIP, February 2021
Joe De Souza
February 23, 2021
Dear Tina and Ida's family,
Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ida.
It was nice to see her after a long time during our visit to Canada in 2013.
May God grant her eternal rest.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Love and God Bless
Joe and Mina De Souza ( in London)
Alvaro and Doreen Mendes
February 23, 2021
Dear Dr. Aloysius and Clare:
We would like to offer you our sincerest condolences on the passing of Ida. We have very fond memories of Ida. Our visits to your clinic were always entertaining and Ida was always there to welcome us and often offer us some very sage advice. May her soul rest in peace. May God give you both strength to deal with this great loss. With our deepest sympathies.
Alvaro and Doreen Mendes
Nicole D’costa
February 23, 2021
My deepest sympathies Dr Desouza and Claire.
Mrs. D and myself shared the same birthday Oct 8th and she would always take the time to call and wish me for my birthday.
May she test in peace 🙏🏻
Nicole D’Costa
Selwyn De Souza
February 23, 2021
Dear Uncle Alloy and Clare,
I send you my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Mother who was such an inspiration to the family. May her soul rest in peace, in the company, of our departed loved ones.
Love,
Selwyn.
Stephen De Souza
February 22, 2021
Dear Uncle Aloy and Claire,
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Aunty Ida. My hope is that you take comfort in our Catholic faith and in our trust that she is now in the arms of our Lord.
Love, Stephen, Sherry, Sophia, Alexander and Genevieve De Souza.
KEN DE SOUZA
February 22, 2021
My most heartfelt condolences to Dr. De Souza, Claire and Ida's family. I am deeply saddened - I fondly recall attending their practice and, more often than not, "Mrs. De Souza" gently lecturing me about something, or the other. She really cared about her patients.
Norma Nunes e Colaco Henriques
February 22, 2021
Your demise was received with sadness and the memories flashed as we were in school, St. Joseph’s convent , Zanzibar and days of laughter and smiles dance before me. Your Dad and mine hailed from Parra and were good friends, that bond of friendship was passed on to their offspring. Your Dad being an engineer ,was well respected, and then known as‘Chief’ and so we called you “Mischief “!
Your warm personality welcomed me at your home in Basingstoke on my first visit to England. You were self giving a trait that was inherent. May your soul Rest In Peace. God be with you as you join the family.
My condolences go to you Aloysuis and to you dear Claire
Ken Pereira
February 22, 2021
Our condolences on the sad loss of Ida. May her soul rest in peace. Our hope is that special memories of her will bring consolation in this time of sorrow.
Ken knows the family from the early days in Zanzibar. In more recent years, our paths crossed in the United Kingdom and more recently in Canada.
Ken and Cathy Pereira
Yvette Muise
February 22, 2021
Photo.... from the Goa 2008 SJCS Reunion....from Yvette de Souza-Muise
Yvette De Souza-Muise
February 22, 2021
Farewell my dear school friend and neighbour , Ida, from Vuga, Zanzibar. It was wonderful meeting you and Altina at the Goa Reunion of SJCS 2008. You are now safe in God’s hands, and with your parents and brother too. May you all Rest In Peace.
And to you , Aloysious and family, heartfelt condolences on your loss. Be brave and strong. I too am flying solo due to the loss of Mike in January 2020, so I know your heartache. Much love and blessings to all of you and Altina.
God bless.
Yvette de Souza-Muise