Obituary
Laura Mendes was peacefully taken into the presence of the Lord, surrounded by her loved ones on January 18, 2025 at her home in Thornhill, Canada. She is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, Mario; children Joshua (Ashley) and Nadia; mother Emma; siblings Angela (Marian), Rita (Claudio), Leslie (Angelo), Jane, and Daniel; and large extended family.
Laura was born on February 1, 1960 in São Paulo, Brazil to her loving parents Emma and Angelo Abisso and immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1966. She met her husband Mario in 1977 at the annual picnic of the First Portuguese Evangelical Church of Toronto - the church that she ended up attending faithfully for the rest of her life. Laura and Mario were married in 1984 and welcomed their first child Joshua in 1990.
Laura flourished in her career at Shoppers Drug Mart as a Cosmetic Manager / Buyer, leading her store to be amongst the highest grossing in Canada. Despite her success in the industry, she found the most fulfillment in being a mother. In 1997, she gave birth to Nadia and decided to leave her career to dedicate every part of herself to her children. In the company of her entire family, Laura enjoyed countless family vacations, sports tournaments, daily phone calls and celebrated every milestone.
Laura will be remembered by her kind and giving heart, iconic one-liners, and of course, her tiramisu. Although she didn’t realize just how strong she was, in all the tribulation she faced, Laura still found hope and comfort by trusting in God, knowing that she had a heavenly home awaiting her. She will be greatly missed, but celebrated every day by those survived by her.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” - II Timothy 4:7
In honour of Laura's memory, the Mendes family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, you consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society , Princess Margaret Foundation or North York General Foundation.
Visitation
January 24, 2025
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst Chapel
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
January 24, 2025
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst Chapel
06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Service
January 25, 2025
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst Chapel
11:00 AM
Entombment
January 25, 2025
Elgin Mills Cemetery
01:15 PM
Arrival time is an estimate