​​It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helena Brigida D’Souza, the cherished Matriarch of the D’Souza family, who passed away peacefully on February 11th, 2025 at the age of 96.

Visitation and reception will take place at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home on Monday, February 17th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The funeral mass will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Thornhill on Tuesday, February 18th, at 10:30 AM, followed by the burial at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at St. Luke’s Catholic Church.

Mum will be missed by her eight children; Alba (Charles), Thelma, Connie (Francis), Monica (Colin), Anthony (Marina), Edgar (Tania), Mario (Jacinta) and Leslie (Divya); her seventeen grandchildren Doreen, Beverly (Rajeev), Michelle, Rachel (Rashid), Philip, Lynette, Ryan,Warren (Rhea), Clive (Ash), Akash (Shradha), Nicholas (Kayla), Aaron (Veronica), Stephen (Mia), Alysha (Jon), Jordan (Thiya), Nathaniel, Zachary and fifteen great grandchildren Aalyana, Devin, Jaiden, Keyaan, Malik, Nylah, Logan, Zoe, Shilah, Megan, Cecilia, Lucia, Natalia, Dominic and Austin.

This list, though extensive, cannot capture all the children and grandchildren she lovingly adopted throughout her journey. From cousins and friends to nurses and priests she encountered, Mum embraced countless individuals as part of her family, sharing her love and care unconditionally.

She is lovingly welcomed into God’s embrace by her parents Nascimento and Luizinha Alvares, her beloved husband, Manuel D’Souza, and her brother Joe (Anne). Her admiration for her brother Joe, and mother Luizinha was a pillar in her life and although they passed away young, they were always alive in her.

Helena’s remarkable life spanned decades and continents, leaving a legacy of love and resilience. Born on April 7th, 1928, in Goa, India, Helena faced early challenges with her father having died three months before her birth. She and her brother were lovingly raised in a modest way by their mother and close-knit family.

At the age of 19, Helena married Manuel and embarked on a new journey in East Africa, where they raised their family. In 1967, she returned to Mapusa, Goa, to manage her mother’s business, the renowned “Luizinha Stores.” In 1983, she immigrated to Canada, beginning a new chapter filled with dedication to her growing family.

Helena devoted herself to her grandchildren, moving between homes to care for them with unwavering love. She spent many years living with Thelma and her family, and her final years were spent in the nurturing care of Mario, Jacinta, and their family.

No matter where she resided, Helena treasured her daily video calls and frequent visits with family in both India and Canada.

Mum lived a life full of kindness, generosity, humour and song. She gave everything for her family, never once hesitating to sacrifice even the smallest joys to bring happiness to those she cherished. She was a devout Catholic, who always believed in the power of prayer. She was gentle, caring, and faithful, with a heart that knew no limits.

Some of her greatest passions were her love for cooking, music, flowers, and books. Anyone who has tasted her food knows the skill and pleasure she had for cooking.

Even in her final days, she carried the melody of life within her, singing the songs that now echo in our hearts. Though she is no longer here in body, she lives on in every act of kindness, every selfless gesture, and every song that reminds us of her gentle spirit.

Helena’s family takes solace in knowing that she is now in God’s care. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends and all who had the honour of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Markham Food Bank or a food bank of your choice.

Markham Food Bank:

https://markhamfoodbank.ca/donate