Ms. Celestina do Rosario May

In Loving Memory of Celestina do Rosario Pestana May

October 10, 1945 – January 25, 2025

With love and gratitude, we honor the life of Celestina do Rosario Pestana May, who passed peacefully on January 25, 2025, in Toronto, at the age of 79. Surrounded by family, she took her final rest, embraced by love and lifted into God’s grace.

Born on October 10, 1945, in Madeira, Portugal, Celestina’s early years were filled with music and faith as she traveled Portugal playing the organ for the church. In her twenties, she journeyed to Canada, where she joined many of her brothers and sisters in building a new life. It was here she met and married Dennis May, creating a home filled with love, creativity, and devotion. Together, they raised three cherished children— Melody, Chris, and Amanda —who remained the heart of her world.

Celestina was an artist in every sense—a painter, a sculptor, a gardener. She found joy in life’s simple, beautiful moments, whether tending to her flowers, shaping art with her hands, or filling the home with the warmth of her singing. Her kindness took root in the hearts of all who knew her, blooming like the gardens she so lovingly nurtured.

A devoted grandmother to Tristan, Ethan, Tyler, Matteo, Lucas, Thalia, and great-grandmother to Jaxson, Celestina’s love and wisdom will continue to flourish in the generations she leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst St., Toronto. A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 1701 Bloor St. W, Toronto. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Celestina’s memory.

Her hands may rest, but her garden of love will bloom for eternity.   She will be forever in our hearts and cherished deeply.

The Funeral Mass will be live streamed. Please visit the St Joan of Arc website at   https://www.joanofarc.ca  and click on the "Masses" tab to activate a drop down menu for "Livestream Masses".