Maria was predeceased by her husband Manuel, her son Jose and her grandson Manny.
Maria’s greatest love and accomplishment is her family which will miss her greatly.
Maria spent her life in service to her family and the Portuguese community. As a new immigrant in 1958 she recognized what a huge struggle the language barrier was and worked very hard to learn English as quickly as possible.
As well as raising her nine children Maria spent much of her time helping her fellow Portuguese. She interpreted at the schools, Doctor appointments and even the police department. The growing wave of Portuguese immigrants knew they could call Maria Andrade. Working in the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Kitchen Maria was often paged to floors to interpret for the Portuguese patients. The Ladies auxiliary saw a need and funded the Portuguese interpreter position for Maria, where she worked for over 15 years until retirement.
Maria was also instrumental in the founding of the Portuguese Information Centre of which she was a board member. She volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society, David Durward Center and CMH Lady’s auxiliary. Recently she received her 45-year pin from St Gregory’s CWL.
Maria is survived by her sisters, Ana Silveira(Manuel) of Cambridge, Deolinda Rodrigues(Manuel) of Seekonk Massachusetts, Lucy DeOliveira (late Joe) of Cambridge and her brother Manuel Pereira(Chris) of Kingston. Her children Manuel(Lois), Ana Maria Grayston(Bill), Connie Vickers(Jim), Joe ( Ruth), Filomena Andrade (Steve Thomas), Patrick(Jacquline), Rose Kueber(Rob), John, David and Ericka. Her grandchildren, Robecca Aires(Art), Melissa Deverell(Jake), James Andrade(Lisa Casewell), Shannon Armstrong(Jeff), Patrice Patenaude(John), Cara Vickers(Ryan McConnell), Andrew Kueber(Melissa), Daniel Andrade, Joey Andrade, Alex Andrade(Jennifer),Adam Vickers(Felicia) Michael Kueber(Kathleen Brett), Michelle Andrade(Melanie McBride), Justin Kueber(Shelby), Sierra Andrade, Nicholas Thomas, Eden Andrade. Her Great Grandchildren, Lucas, Natalie, Nathan, Madison, Mikayla, Autumn, Eli, Grant and Brett. Nieces and Nephews too numerous to mention but greatly loved.
Mom your legacy will live on in this great big beautiful family. And though our hearts are broken we know you are resting easy in the arms of our Lord.
Many thanks to Dr Hughes and the amazing staff at St Andrews Terrace. We can’t express our gratitude for the care and kindness the staff showed to our Mother this past year. Friends and family are invited to Coutts Funeral Home on Thursday, August 8th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A funeral mass with be held at St. Gregory's Parish at 11am on Friday, August 9th with a reception to follow. Maria will be laid to rest at Parklawn Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donation to the Parkinson Foundation of South Western Ontario or Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
DONATIONS
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario4500 Blakie Rd #117, London, Ontario N6L 1G5
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation700 Coronation Blvd, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 3G2
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