Mrs. Virginia De Ponte

Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Virginia De Ponte at the age of 92 in Toronto, Ontario. Originally from São Miguel, Azores she was predeceased by her beloved husband, João De Ponte, with whom she built a life in Canada. Adored mother of Delta (Vince), John (Luisa), and Robert (Helen). Doting grandmother to Katarina, Michael, Daniel, and Kaitlyn. Treasured youngest sibling to four brothers, three sisters and their respective spouses, she remained a favourite aunt to their children, as well as many of her husband’s nieces and nephews.

Having received minimal education herself, she was a great advocate of education for both men and women. She believed that an education had the potential to open doors and enhance your life, while the lack of a formal education should never be used to define someone’s character. She spent the majority of her working life in Canada as a cleaner and housekeeper for multiple generations of the same family. They admired her strong work ethic and treated her with the utmost respect as she worked with them for over 30 years.

For much of her life she was an avid reader, enjoyed planting and caring for the flowers in her garden, and was meticulous about her choice of yarn and stitch in order to create beautiful pieces of hand crotchet that she often gifted to family and friends. She would have loved to travel more, but in her limited experience recognized that being able to raise her family in Canada, her adopted country, had been one of life’s greatest blessings. She continued to practice her Catholic faith and was a longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish. She was a proud participant in their first celebration of A Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagros in May 1966, and continued as an attendant and volunteer until a few years ago. In truth, however, her most rewarding role in life was at the center of her family: a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother for which she always gave every bit of herself.

As with many people her age, she eventually found herself struggling against the limitations of her mind and body. She was fortunate to become a resident at the Village of Humber Heights LTC Home where, for the last 5 years, she was surrounded by a new extended family. Her dedicated caregivers and other ancillary staff would often stop to admire her beautiful, naturally curly grey hair, and she in turn would often reward them with her lovely smile.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's  Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation or Princess Margaret Hospital. 

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