Tribute

With heavy but grateful hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ilda Hilario. She was born on May 12, 1931, in Agua de Pau, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, and passed peacefully at home in Victoria, British Columbia, on June 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Our mother was proud of her Azorean roots, but she shared in the family dream of building a new life in Canada. In 1963, our father immigrated to Osoyoos, British Columbia, to begin that journey. Two years later, in 1965, our mother arrived with her son and two daughter’s, once again the family was reunited.

Those first years in Canada were not easy. In the Azores, Mom worked from home as a talented seamstress, a craft she loved and excelled at. In the Okanagan, however, orchard work was the reality for many new immigrants. She spent cold winter days pruning trees and hot summer days picking fruit under the blazing sun. Through hard work and determination, our parents eventually saved enough to purchase the orchard where she worked faithfully alongside our father. Together, they taught their children the values of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice.

Though she was tiny in stature, everyone knew who the boss of the family was. She lived a simple and quiet life, devoted to God, family, and friends. She was never one to say much, but her actions spoke volumes.

Mom loved her flower beds. Each spring, one of her greatest joys was visiting local nurseries with her daughter-in-law, Vera, to choose her annual flowers. She was also an exceptional cook who never needed a recipe. No matter when visitors arrived, she could prepare a wonderful meal with ease, making everyone feel welcome. She embodied grace, kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength.

Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband, Francisco; her daughter, Filomena; her son, Joe; her grandson, Danny; her son-in-law, Fernando; her parents, Manuel and Maria de Jesus Rebelo; and her brother, Armando.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Anna (Joe); her daughter-in-law, Vera; her six grandchildren, Jennifer (Nelson), Alicia (Derek), Nicky (Trent), Amanda, Matthew, and Thomas; her eight great-grandchildren, Mariah, Bianca, Ayla, Jake, Tyce, Mya, Nash, and Gage; her brothers, Umberto and Manuel; her sister, Lourdes; and her many nieces and nephews.

Those who knew Mom will remember her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She brought joy, strength, and laughter to all whose lives she touched.

Her legacy of faith, love, resilience, and devotion to family and God will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the VIHA care workers and nursing staff for the care and compassion they showed Mom. Your kindness, patience, and support during her final years are gifts we will never forget. Thank you.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 7610 – 87th Street, Osoyoos followed by interment and committal in the Osoyoos Lakeview Cemetery. A reception in the church lower hall will follow the committal service.

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