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March 13, 1924 - November 9, 2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Maria Irene Melo announces her passing on Saturday, November 09, 2019 at the age of 95 years.
Irene was born on March 13, 1924, in Vila Franco do Campo, San Miguel, Azores. She was the only child born to her parents Antonio and Gloria Reis. She married the love of her life Jose Melo and together they raised four children while living in the Azores.
Her husband emigrated to Canada and settled in the Castlegar area in 1957 and Irene and 3 of her children emigrated to Canada to be together as a family in 1963. Upon living in Canada they had one more child.
During her lifetime Irene spent her time as a housewife and mother giving her attention to raising and nurturing her children. She enjoyed cooking and baking her Portugese specialties, being active in the Castlegar Portugese community and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Her beloved husband of 67 years, Jose, passed away in 2010 and Irene spent the last eight years of her life as a resident of Poplar Ridge Seniors Care Home in Trail. During that time she made many new friends among the other residents and the staff.
Irene is survived by her sons, Tony (Maria) Melo and Louie (Ronda) Melo; her daughters Albertina Travassos, Lucy (Carlos) Ponte, Leonor (Stuart) Laurie; 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
You will be sadly missed Mom but we rest assured knowing you are in the loving arms of Jesus your Saviour.
The family would especially like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Poplar Ridge for the loving care shown to their mom during her stay. Your kindness shown is greatly appreciated.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, November 20th at 10:30 AM with Fr. Rafael Benosa presiding followed by internment at Park Memorial Cemetery. Castlegar Funeral Chapel were in charge of arrangements.


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