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Obituary
Eight months shy of her 100th birthday, Adelaide Blanche de Freitas died peacefully at Providence Care Centre. Unwavering in her faith in the Lord Jesus, she was ready to go to heaven and be in the company of the Blessed Mother and all the saints.
Blanche was born at home in Mombasa, Kenya, on July 12, 1923, the second of five children of Salustiano and Laura de Freitas. Blanche’s childhood in Mombasa was a happy one – full of family gatherings, and education at a convent school, followed by teacher training in Mombasa and aesthetician training in London, England. She emigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1968, where she lived for over 25 years. Blanche’s work in Kenya and Canada included operating her own salon business, dressmaking as a superb seamstress, and teaching in the Toronto School Board. Blanche was also a devoted daughter, caring for her mother for many years until her death at age 96. In 1996, Blanche moved to Calgary where she lived the last 25 years of her life.
Blanche was committed to her Catholic faith and was an active parishioner at Holy Ghost Cathedral in Mombasa, St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Toronto, and St. Anthony’s Parish in Calgary. She belonged to the Legion of Mary and was a CWL member for many years. As a volunteer of St. Anthony’s, her pastoral care of residents of Anthonian Court seniors’ residence was exemplary.
A great joy in Blanche’s life was as an aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews spanning three continents. She delighted in their visits and was interested in their pursuits.
Blanche was blessed to spend the last years of her life at Providence Care Centre (PCC), moving in as one of the first residents in 2016. Her serene but cheerful disposition and ready smile endeared her to the staff and fellow residents there. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at PCC and to Dr. Thomas Bouchard for their excellent care.
Blanche is survived by her sister, Greta de Souza (Cedric) of Calgary; her sister-in-law, Ilda de Freitas, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; and by her siblings, Pina Cardoso, Carmen Mascarenhas, and Joviano de Freitas.
Prayers will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 7:00 pm at Evan Strong Funeral Services (5502 2nd Street SW, Calgary). The Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 10:30 am at St. Bonaventure Parish (1600 Acadia Drive SE, Calgary), with Blanche’s godson and nephew, Father Raymond J. de Souza, as the celebrant. A reception will follow at the Church. She will be interred later at Holy Cross Cemetery in Toronto, alongside her mother, sister, and brother.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Fr. Lacombe Care Society (149 Providence Boulevard, Calgary, AB T2X 0V6).
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July 12 1923 November 27 2022 99 Years Old
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Blanche de Freitas July 12 1923 November 27 2022 99 Years Old..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta