October 6, 1944 - December 27, 2019
My mother, Fernanda, was a warm, compassionate, and wonderful woman who always went out of her way to help others - no matter what.
She was a proud and dignified woman who had a passion for life.
The many long-lasting friendships that she made over the years are a testament to the wonderful sense of compassion that she showed to everyone she came in contact with.
Fernanda was born on October 6, 1944 in Lisbon, Portugal.
She grew up in a small apartment with her mother, father, and sister.
It was a difficult time for her family, so she took a job at the age of 11 helping a seamstress sew garments, to help support the family. At the age of 14, she got a job at a sewing factory making bras and swim suits.
Fernanda and Joe met in the beginning of 1965 at a family gathering. They fell in love and married a few months later on June 27 1965.
They had their son on June 2 1966. Joe had to leave Portugal to find work to support his new family, so Fernanda moved in with her parents to save money and raise her son. Joe returned later and they both worked to support their
family. They lived in a small shack on someone's farm. They had their daughter on April 11 1970.
In February of 1971, they decided they had to make a better life for their children, so they decided to move to Terrace, BC Canada.
My mother took on odd jobs sewing to be able to stay home with her children. In 1975 my mother got a job at Time Cleaners. She worked there for 7 years, and made many friends.
In 1979 my parents sponsored my grandparents to come to Terrace and live with us. She then got a job with Home Support (now known as Northern Health). She treated all her clients and co-workers with respect and kindness.
My mom loved to travel every year to the Queen Charlottes.
I will always remember our Christmas Eves together. My family always opened their doors to everyone to come and celebrate Christmas Eve with us.
Fernanda cherished all three of her grandchildren so much. She helped us raise them in their early years, carrying on the tradition of respect and love.
It is an honour to share my precious memories of my mother. She will be missed by all , but her memory will live on in us all forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced.