Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerónimo Rocha da Fonseca on August 14, 2025, at Toronto Western Hospital, at the age of 96, with his family by his side. Padrinho, as we all called him, will be joining in Heaven his parents, Agostinho da Fonseca and Constança Rocha, his infant sister, Maria de Lourdes, and his big sister, Laureana (José Fonseca Pereira). Jerónimo will be dearly missed by his nephew and godson, Agostinho (Joni), niece São (Doug), great-niece and goddaughter, Amanda (aka Sister Maria Augustina) and great-nephew Gilles (Zoe), as well as many cousins and friends who had the privilege of knowing him and whose company he enjoyed.

Unable to fulfill his vocation for religious life, due to family responsibilities following the early death of his father, he participated wholeheartedly in church activities, while running a tavern and village grocery/general store. From teaching cathecism to children and celebrating the Word, to volunteering as a Servita of our Lady of Fátima in his native Portugal, he lived his faith as a devout Catholic. His move to Canada did not diminish his enthusiasm for religious engagement, and he joined church prayer groups, served as a reader and Minister of the Eucharist in his parish (St. Helen’s), and volunteered for many years at Doctors Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital as part of their Pastoral and Spiritual Care teams. Once a patient was discharged and the family asked “Senhor Jerónimo” to take him or her Holy Communion, no place across Toronto was too far or too difficult for Padrinho to reach by TTC in order to answer their request. As his own health started to fail, and he required more personal care and support, we were blessed to be able to count on the many kind and dedicated PSWs and Nurses who helped us continue to care for him at home.

Rest in Peace, Padrinho querido, Jesus is waiting for you.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Diabetes Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated.

Visitation

Date
August 18, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes-Bathurst
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Date
August 18, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes-Bathurst
Time
06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Service

Date
August 19, 2025
Location
St. Helen's Parish
Time
10:00 AM

Burial

Date
August 19, 2025
Location
Prospect Cemetery
Time
11:15 AM
Memo

Timing for cemetery is approximate

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August 18, 2025
Susan Talana Harris
It was a pleasure meeting Mr. Jeronimo Rocha de Fonseca. May his life be a source of inspiration and strength. No doubt he is now enjoying eternal love and joy with God and other loved ones in heaven. Love and God bless.
August 18, 2025
Susan Talana Harris
It was a pleasure meeting Mr. Jeronimo Rocha de Fonseca. May his life be a source of inspiration and strength. With deepest sympathy and love.
August 18, 2025
Susan Talana Harris
Our deepest condolences, sympathy and love. It was a pleasure meeting Mr. Jeronimo Rocha de Fonseca.
August 18, 2025
Susan Talana Harris
May the life of Mr. Jeronimo Rocha da Fonseca be an inspiration to his family. May he now enjoy eternal love and joy with the Lord, the Blessed Mother and other loved ones in Heaven. With deepest sympathy and love - Susan and Norman Harris and family.