Obituary of Natalia Fragata
Our family shares with immense sadness that our dear Mother (Mae/Avo), Natalia Fragatta, passed at home peacefully on November 27 surrounded by our love. Her loving smile and kindness radiated always and she blessed the lives of many.
She is survived by Luis, her loving husband of 60 years, her 2 loving children, Nancy (Scott) and Kennedy (Ashley); and her precious grandchildren Anna-14, Claire-10, Julia-8 all raised by her from their time of birth and Leo (2) for whom she cared for until the week of her passing.
In Portugal, she is survived by her older aunt and uncle, Lucilia and Luis Ferreira; sisters-in-law, Carmita, Lourdes and San José; nephews, Zé Manuel, José Pedro and Fred; and nieces, Zá, Paula and São and their families.
Natalia was born June 2nd, 1938 in Atougia da Baleia, Portugal, and raised by her grandmother, aunts and uncles in Bufarda before moving to the nearby town of Lourinhã to live with her Godmother. It was there in Lourinhã that Natalia met her husband Luis as a young child, fell in love and married.
She worked as a young seamstress, dressing many high society figures and designing her own clothes, including her wedding dress. She took pride in sewing and knitting for her children and grandchildren throughout the years, including baptismal gowns and Nancy’s wedding dress.
Natalia and Luis made the courageous decision to explore various countries, living in Switzerland and Germany before immigrating to Canada in 1967, with many return visits to their homeland of Portugal to reunite with beloved family members over the years.
Natalia lived her life with great faith and love for God and Mother Mary as an active member of St Mary’s Parish. She instilled this faith in her children and grandchildren who attended church with her, with the entire family having roles in yearly Our Lady of Fatíma Celebrations. Visits to Fatíma Portugal where Mother Mary appeared to 3 shepherd children continue to be a pilgrimage for her children and grandchildren.
Natalia and Luis spent countless hours tending to their garden paradise – bringing a piece of God’s heavenly creations to earth. Extraordinary flowers and unbelievable harvests of large vegetables were the center of daily life, where time was spent with family and friends. There was no other place like it on earth, and her door was always open with food ready at any time of day. Family was her central pillar of life, cooking, attending school functions, dance recitals and countless soccer games. Her pride and passion was being the matriarch of such a strong and loving unit alongside her husband Luis, watching her children grow families of their own. The grandchildren brought great joy and light into her life and they truly loved their VóVó more than anything.
Natalia held onto her last breath until her oldest granddaughter, Anna, arrived to give the final family hug, kiss, “I love you and goodbye”. With dirt under one fingernail we are certain that God will greet her at the gates of Heaven saying “Natalia, my child, I have the most beautiful garden for you to tend to”. The grandchildren are certain that Avó is growing the tomatoes, and we are certain she continues to watch and care the family from above.
Rest Peacefully in God’s Loving Embrace “Santa Avo Mae” – until we are reunited for all eternity.
A Funeral Prayers Service will be held at St. Mary’s Parish in Saskatoon, SK. on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Parish on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a private family Christian Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. For those unable to attend the funeral, as she touched many around the world, the family invites you join the service via livestream. To view the livestream and leave condolences please visit Natalia’s tribute page at www.westwoodfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to WESTWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL (306-653-3434).
In lieu of flowers and memorial donations can be made to the Jim Pattison’s Children’s Hospital and St. Mary Parish.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Natalia
Fragata 1937 2021..
Westwood Funeral and Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Saskatoon, Province: Saskatchewan