Obituary
Maria Isabel Furtado Amaral Bermonte, 95, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026 after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer’s. Isabel was born in Riberinha, São Miguel, Aćores, Portugal. She was the oldest daughter in a family of nine children who struggled to survive after their father’s untimely death. Isabel was relentless in her desire to complete her education. When she told her mother she wanted to be a teacher, her mother said it would be impossible as they barely had enough to eat. Undaunted, Isabel completed her studies while working multiple jobs.
A blonde, green-eyed beauty, Isabel caught the eye of Carlos Bermonte, whom she married in December 1959. Focused on building a better life, Carlos and Isabel courageously immigrated to Canada in 1965 with their three young children. They arrived in Toronto with a suitcase of dreams and little else at a time when immigrants relied on sheer determination, resilience and an uncompromising work ethic to survive.
While small in stature, Isabel was a tower of strength and a pillar in Toronto’s Portuguese community. She worked for more than 30 years as a Social Worker for the Toronto Board of Education encouraging Portuguese immigrants to pursue education as a path to a better life. Isabel excelled at gardening, knitting, sewing, baking and cooking, and enjoyed sharing her creations with loved ones. Isabel was a devoted wife and mother, and quite possibly the world’s best grandmother. She deeply loved her husband, children and grandchildren, always reminding them that, “you can do anything you want…you just have to work hard!”
Isabel is survived by her loving and devoted husband Carlos, her children Anne (Bruce), Tony (Becky) and Eduarda (Bob), as well as her grandchildren Katerina, Rachel, Grant, Nathan, Matthew and Connor. She is remembered lovingly by dear siblings Elsa, Esmeria (Antonio-Eugene), Raimundo, Gilbert (Eduarda), Walter, Cristina, Isaura, Carlos (deceased), and in-laws Ana-Maria (llda), Antonio (Madalena), Paulo (Clarice), Eduarda and Zelia (deceased). Our deepest and heartfelt thanks to our mother’s dedicated caregivers from Best Care Agency, Lani, Raman and Sheila, as well as the dedicated staff (especially Adora) at Lakeshore Lodge, where our mother spent her final years and passed peacefully surrounded by kindness and compassion. A celebration of life will be planned in Spring.
The family kindly suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Toronto or to Diabetes Canada
Visitation
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Cremation
February 11, 2026
Carlos, Anne, Eduarda and Tony , my deepest Condolences. I will miss your Mom's warm smile and her great big hugs! She was not just a colleague but a very dear and
special friend, my mentor and confidante. I will always be grateful for her life cherish her words of wisdom and the time we spent together
your mom always remained so true to her roots, tirelessly advocating and supporting our Portuguese students and families . Long after she retired , The families she worked with would always ask me how is , " Querida Senhora Isabel ? remembering her kindness and compassion and how much she had helped them. One family going through some very difficult times recalled your mom dropping off some clothing for her teenage daughters. She was forever grateful and the girls were thrilled! your mom's memory will continue to live on in the many lives she touched! She truly made a Difference!!
February 06, 2026
Dear Anne,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences to you, Bruce, Katerina and Rachel and of course your extended family.
Peter and Ann
January 30, 2026
I only knew Isabel through her family - most of all her daughter, my longtime, dear friend, Eduarda. Jim and I felt so lucky to get to know Carlos, Anne, Tony and other family members in the Azores last September, and it's clear that the hardworking, gracious and mischevious spirit of Isabel runs through this family. What a remarkable life to be admired -- she certainly lived by example that "anything is possible with hard work." May her memory be a blessing to all, and sending special hugs to Carlos, Eduarda & Bob, Anne & Bruce, and Tony & family.
January 30, 2026
Dear Grandma, you were everything I could’ve wanted for a grandmother. You told the best bedtime stories when you tucked me in at night, and you always had cookies that you baked for me to eat. It was always a treat spending time with you on vacation, during Christmas holidays, or any time at all. You were there for my childhood birthdays, and my Highschool graduation. You always believed in me, and motivated me to do my best with everything in life. Your hugs were warm, and your love for all of your grandchildren was limitless. You will be forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten. Love you forever, may you rest in peace. ❤️
January 29, 2026
Isabel was my mother-in-law for almost 36 years but I’ve called her Mom all that time and she treated me like a son in many ways. She was generous and cared deeply about her family, but especially her grandchildren. She always made sure that I felt at home in her house and most importantly that I never left without a full belly of Portuguese food and treats. ❤️She was also the only person I knew who turned Bob into a two-syllable word 🤣
May Isabel rest in peace and watch over her entire family! ❤️
January 29, 2026
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all. The obituary is so beautiful and truly reflects how I have always known Tia Isabel.
When I was little and our family immigrated to Canada, Tia Isabel was my mom’s (Isaura’s) first sister I met and the aunt I knew for a very long time. I am the youngest niece and cousin, and that most have not met. I remember her saying the same thing to me, “You can do anything you want to do if you work hard and don’t let anyone stop your dreams.”
She was so kind, loving, and strong. I have always admired Tia Isabel, and she and her beautiful smile will be deeply missed. May her beautiful soul rest in peace 🕊️🤍
January 29, 2026
Isabel was my mother in law for almost 36 years but I’ve called her mom all that time and she treated me like a son in so many ways. She was generous and cared deeply about her family, but especially her grandchildren. She always made sure that I felt at home in her house and most importantly that I never left without a belly of Portuguese food and treats. She was only the only person I knew who turned Bob into a two-syllable word. :) May Isabel rest in peace and continue to watch over her entire family.
January 29, 2026
...guardo os momentos inesqueciveis que farao perpetuar a Isabel no meu imaginario...
...a professora, a mae, a avo, a esposa, os belos doces que confecionava, a coragem de uma professora bem da vida que um dia decidiu partir para uma aventura chamada Canada
...com ela foi a familia...omeu irmao que foi ainda mais cedo, e que arregacou as mangas para ajudar a construir um futuro de sucesso para toda a familia. Os meus pensamentos vao para ele, que agor enfrenta um novo vazio na sua vida...uma experiencia que sei que sera dificil de ultrapassar, mesmo com a ajuda dos filhos e netos!
Estaremos ca para o que for preciso e ajudar a aliviar uma dor que nao vai nunca desaparecer por completo.
January 29, 2026
Isabel was my mother-in-law for the last almost 32 years. I'm forever grateful to her for the example she provided to all of us in her family of unconditional love, perservance and acceptance. Her greatest moments were as a grandmother. Her granddaughters Katerina and Rachel benefitted immensely from her affection and wise direction as did I. Isabel you will be forever loved and admired by your friends and family! RIP
January 29, 2026
Recordo com saudade a minha cunhada Isabel. Foi minha explicadora de matematica. Preparou-me para o que sei hoje. Sempre que fiquei na sua casa no Canada apreciava os seus excelentes cozinhados. Dava gosto ve-la a fazer croche, com a Madalena, mesmo quando a sua visao era reduzida. Na companhia do meu irmao Carlos criou uma extraordinaria familia. Foi a sera sempre uma grand SENHORA. Um grande beijinho de saudades a toda a familia.
January 29, 2026
Obrigada pelo que es a pela forma como manifestas amor pela familia. A Isabel esta conosco.
January 29, 2026
Minha querida cunhada Isabel estou muito triste ja nao posso falar contigo! Ja tenho saudades dos momentos que falavamos ao telefone! Pessoalmente foram poucos mas muito bons! Muitas memorias vao ficar! Grande Mulher e Grand Mae! Descansa em Pas querida cunhada.
January 28, 2026
Our warmest love and condolences go to Carlos, Tony, Anne, Eduarda, and all the grandchildren. Ruth and myself (John Reoch, Tony's father-in-law) very much enjoyed getting to know Isabel over the years and we deeply appreciated her tender love and care for our shared grandchildren Grant and Nathan. Blessings, Bermonte family, from the Reoch family.
January 28, 2026
Brent and I are sending love and peace to everyone to loved and lost this special lady. I didn't know her personally, but I feel like I did because of the stories and her life guidance lived through Eduarda. May she keep inspiring us all.
January 28, 2026
I first met aunt Isabel as a young child and I immediately looked up to her. She was beautiful, fun and determined. We seemed "click." She taught me to read at age 5 and obtain children's books for me. At the time, school started at age 7. She went to the school and asked them to let me come in part-time at age 6 so as I could read and wouldn't create trouble. From that early age, she taught me that I could do anything if I tried hard enough. She was the first and most ardent advocate I encountered of not recognizing or accepting limits or boundaries as one navigated life. My attitude towards not accepting limits or doing the expected came from her. It was a truly miraculous message for her to convey in the late 1950s in the Azores. She was ahead of her times. Her warmth and love were ever present despite the distance in miles and age.
January 28, 2026
Isabel was a wonderful, caring, loving, giving mother-in-law to me (Tony's wife). No one could have asked for a better second mother and our boys Grant and Nathan will always hold the dearest, warmest memories of their amazing and indomitable grandmother in their hearts forever! She was always encouraging them, saying: You can do anything! Just work hard and be kind and respectful to other people. What a lovely legacy to leave all six grandchildren, and to all the children she influenced in her work in the schools. May Isabel rest well in the arms of Jesus and enjoy the welcoming embrace in heaven of the loved ones who went before her.
January 28, 2026
What a wonderful obituary, and the video is so very moving (her voice is still so strong!). I met Isabel a couple of times and certainly learned quite a bit about her over the years, but have never before appreciated the full picture -- the amazing determination she had to follow her chosen path. Now that her struggle with Alzheimer's is over -- I'm so glad the memories of one hard working educator and loving wife, mother and grandmother, can take their rightful place in the hearts and minds of everyone in her family. My heartfelt condolences to all of you.
January 28, 2026
Beautiful obituary -- I am so sorry for your loss -- my heart and love goes to you all. Tia Isabel was a beautiful, loving and kind lady!!! When we immigrated to Canada, we were part of that Portuguese community she helped. We will always be deeply grateful for what she did for us with love, kindness and open arms. I recall those words vividly, "You can do anything, you just have to work hard." So true. Tia Isabel you will be greatly missed, rest in eternal peace. Love always
January 28, 2026
Wonderful obituary; I am thankful for every moment I had the opportunity to spend with her, many lovely memories that will last for ever. Rest in peace aunt Isabel, love you forever.
January 28, 2026
I didn't have the privilege of meeting Isabel, but through stories over the years and now with the obituary, I get a sense of a remarkable woman I wish I had the chance to meet. Thinking of all of you as you deal with such a huge loss.
January 28, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss. Let the good memories bring you comfort at this time. It was inspiring to watch her spend time with her granddaughters. The patience and love she gave was remarkable. Isabel was definitely one of a kind!
January 28, 2026
A big hug especially to uncle Carlos, Anne, Eduarda and Tony. I will remember a wonderful aunt, very smart and mentally strong who had a full life that reflects the beautiful family she created.
January 28, 2026
We are deeply sorry for the loss of our dear Isabel and your beloved mother. She will always be remembered with great affection. Please know that you are in our thoughts and hearts, and we are sending you a warm hug and strength.
January 28, 2026
Beautiful and touchin obituary. Aunt Isabel, like my mother says, was a soul of light. The beautiful memories remain. May they help to give strength.
January 28, 2026
Querido tio e primos, so agora tive conhecimento do falecimento da tia. Quero deixar-vos um abraco sentido e as minhas mais sinceras condolencias. Que encontrem algum conforto na uniao da familia e na memoria bonita que ela deixou. Um abraco sentido para todos vos.
January 28, 2026
Such a beautiful. We hope your family can take some comfort in the immense love and memories you shared with her. What a life -- truly an adventure and so well lived. With sympathy from Miguel, Silvia and Mariana.
January 28, 2026
Truly a wonderful person in and out. It was a privilege serving you Mrs. Isabel Bermonte. "No one knows everything, but everyone knows something." --Mrs Bermonte
January 28, 2026
What a lovely obituary. She was such as exceptional woman with a wonderful caring family. We are so sorry for your loss.
January 28, 2026
What a life lived! It's a wonderful tribute to her and a very uplifting story to read about her determination and perservance. I am so sorry for you loss, Anne. I'm glad Eduarda was able to be with her. I send my condolences to you and the whole family.
January 28, 2026
John and I think it is a lovely obituary. We got a great sense of your mother. Hope your dad is doing okay.
January 28, 2026
What a wonderful, evocative obituary. So sorry Anne and your extended family for this tremendous loss.
January 28, 2026
What a remarkable life. Her strength, beauty and work ethic live on in you Anne, and the girls. Sending you and your family our sympathy and love as you mourn her passing, while taking comfort in all the wonderful memories you share.
January 28, 2026
My dearest cousins, what sad and hearbreaking news. I'm very sorry. I want you to know that we are all sending the courage and strength in this difficult moment. Lots of love, a big hug, and kisses.
January 28, 2026
What a pillar of strength and courage. May she rest in peace.
January 28, 2026
Rest in peace Isabel. Lovely obituary. May you find comfort in your memories.
January 28, 2026
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. xo
January 28, 2026
I love the obituary and the beautiful photo of Isabel as a young woman. A life well lived!
January 28, 2026
Recordo com saudade todo o tempo de partilha com a minha tia Isabel, tio Carlos e filhos. Sejam fortes. Abraco.
January 28, 2026
Lovely obituary. Thank you for sharing.
January 28, 2026
What a wonderful obituary; what a life! So glad she lives on in her children and grandchildren. May she rest in peace. Love to all who loved her.
January 28, 2026
Beautiful obituary. I am so deeply sorry. My heart goes out to all of you. Sending you so much love and strength during this difficult time.
January 27, 2026
My condolences to the family on the loss of Isabel. While I did not have the pleasure of meeting her, I have met her legacy in my good friend Eduarda, her daughter, along with Anne and Tony. I also had the pleasure of experiencing the wonderful people and hospitality of the Azores last summer, and see the echo of that in the tributes to this wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister. May she rest in peace.
January 26, 2026
Sorry for your loss Tony and family. I remember coming over to your house as a kid in school. Your mom was always so kind and giving. One memory was a ton of people coming over for a fund raiser for a trip to Kitamat. Your mom fed everyone. Again so sorry.
