Tribute

Maria Conceicao Silvestre da Silva, a long-time resident of Oliver, BC, passed onto glory early Wednesday morning August 26 at Langley hospital in Langley, BC.

Born March 12, 1928 in Silvares, Beira Baixa, Portugal she immigrated to Canada together with 2 of her 3 children to join husband, Jose Clemente and begin their new life together in this new land.

Her oldest child, Florentina Pontes joined the family in Canada a few years later which completed Maria's joy. After living briefly in Winnipeg, Glidden, Sask, and Edmonton they heard of the wonders of Oliver and Osoyoos and so they made their way here where they worked as orchardists for many years and raised their children.

Maria loved her family and enjoyed her gardens and fruit. She loved and nurtured her animals, many times able to bring back to life a dying bird.

Maria came to live in Langley, BC with her son, Joaquim and daugher-in-law, Cathy when it was apparent that she could no longer live on her own. With daughter Florentina alongside and visits from daughter Maria Gracinda, her final 2 years have been filled with family, love, laughter and tears.

Maria passed surrounded by her family holding her hands and singing gently and expressing their love and thankfulness for who she was.

She is survived by her 3 children, Florentina (Acacio) Pontes, Joaquim (Cathy) da Silva, Maria Gracinda (Stuart) Evans and her 9 grandchildren, Leyla, Jennifer, Stephanie, Michelle, Kristy, Rosa, Joshua, Matthew and Alicia and 12 great grandchildren who all still love her dearly.

Celebration of life will be Saturday Sept 5 at 11:00 AM at Park Drive Church, Oliver, BC. Interment and reception to follow afterwards.

We are reminded today through the life and death of our Mai that we live each day intentionally and love always.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Arrangements entrusted  to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.