Ms. Noemia do Ceu Madeira Terrinca

Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Noémia Do Céu Madeira Terrinca, 89, of Toronto, Canada on September 24, 2021. Noémia was born on May 26, 1932 in Elvas, Portugal, to António Rodrigues Terrinca and Antonia Da Conceição Madeira. Loving sister of Alzira, Dionísio, Maria Clemência [Bia], Maria Alice, Maurício, José, and Domingos. She lived in Elvas, Coruche, Salvaterra de Magos and eventually settling with her two children in Alverca. An entrepreneur at heart, she owned a café and bakery, professions she remembered fondly for the way they allowed her to nourish both hungry bellies and hearts. As an adult, with the guidance of her children, she taught herself to read and write, becoming and avid reader, often enjoying a book long into the night. In 1988 Noémia immigrated to Canada to join her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in Toronto, where she was drawn to positions that involved working within Toronto’s vibrant Portuguese community. After retiring she became a member of St. Christopher’s House, where she volunteered teaching crochet classes. An accomplished seamstress and artisan, she contributed to the community’s fundraising campaigns by donating hand knit baby items such as bonnets, booties and sweaters. She will be remembered for her humility, warmth, kindness, acceptance, and deep devotion to the wellbeing of those around her. A natural caretaker, she was known for welcoming her community into her home for a home-cooked meal. Her love extended to animals, and she could often be found caring for stray animals, along with her own beloved cats, dogs, and birds. Noémia enjoyed family films, and would happily watch anything centred around animals. She also enjoyed comedies, and her grandchildren warmly recall the way her infectious laughter filled the entire home on movie nights. Later in life she became a fan of European football often watching Portuguese teams along with her son-in-law, José João. In 2001 Noémia survived an airline incident that left her injured. She overcame her experience with grace, and continued to travel between Portugal and Canada to visit her beloved sister, son and grandchildren. Noémia is survived by her children, António Domingos (Clarinda) and Marina (José João), her grandchildren Susana (Luis), Sara, Dora, and Sergio (Miriam), great grandchildren Beatriz and Tiago, sister Bia (António), and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, António Rodrigues Terrinca and Antónia Da Conceição Madeira, her siblings Alzira, Dionísio, Maria Alice, Maurício, José, and Domingos and grandson Rui Gabriele. The family welcomes family and friends to join them and thank their community for their comfort and love.

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Cremation