Martina “Agnes” de Souza (née da Silva)

The gift of Mama I left my family and moved to a place where I didn't know anyone and met Gerard who became my best friend, who introduced me to his family so different from my own. A family that was from somewhere else, to get to know my mother-in-law-to-be, who lost her dad at three; who pretty much had lived in the jungle yet had had so much literacy. The creativity of her heart and love of words and poetry astounded me. She came from a one room schoolhouse, and yet knew so much more than I. Her kindness over a cup of tea to befriend someone who just wanted to know her. I remember the first time I met Gerard's mom and dad and I practiced how to say their names,” Mr. and Mrs. de Souza”. Not knowing at the time that someday I would become “Mrs. de Souza”. Not knowing what an honour and a privilege that would be to be able to step into that name would mean 37 years of marriage later and 43 years of life knowing Martina and now knowing how much I will miss her. She was not my mom but she was so much a part of my life. When I moved from a small town in Tsawwassen, British Columbia and started over in a big place just outside of Toronto, I felt lost. Being introduced to Gerard's family, I not only fell in love with him, but I fell in love with his family and especially his mom. She introduced me to my faith to love the Lord with my whole heart. She mentored me and introduced me to just being loved as I was, and how much a cuppa tea and a gift of hospitality could mean just as you are. Far from perfect, I was immature and insecure, but whatever that meant, she taught me how to grow up and be a woman and step into faith. To watch her in the journey of this last year, and what she experienced, as a senior; as a person that loved her God more than anything, and went through the valley of the shadow of death, waiting on her Lord to take her to the heavenly realms with humbleness, and even uncertainty after years of faithful service. I was honoured to witness a spirit of humility and hopeful expectation of waiting on the Lord to be taken home. She saw her Dad who she lost at three; she saw her mom and family members and her beloved husband, Des, and she waited for the Lord to take her home. How much we longed for her to stay. How much we wanted for her to go, to the next step to be released from her journey of waiting to move heaven bound. When I look back over our periods of messages and conversations as a family (through Messenger), I am overwhelmed that it was well over a year ago that we talked about hospice and how we pictured her last days. Never imagining it would be a year later before she took her last breath. I was not surprised when she took her last breath while no one was watching. It was her quiet nature to just release herself in the arms of heaven and her master, who she loved so much. Yet she gave us the privilege of holding her hand, watching her in humility and kindness in peace and even in the most gracious way to enter into peace. A holiness was present in the waiting. Teaching us to wait on the Lord in humble expectation. At times, she astounded me as she felt uncertain of her worthiness to enter into the heavenly realms, which shocked me when I knew all my life the woman of faith she was in her quiet devotion to God. How do I ever share her name being “Mrs. de Souza”? I thank God for her. I thank God for her children that allowed me to love her as a mother and I as a friend. She was not my maternal mom and yet if I could've been born in her generation, I would've asked her if she would've let me be her friend. I feel honoured to have been her daughter-in-law and I feel thankful to my incredible siblings in law to share her. I don't know what the years will be when I think that I can't call her and hear her say, “Hi girl!” and her sweet witty way, but I'm thankful to have a woman who literally is the Proverbs 31 illustration of what a life of service means. Mom, may I live a life that's worthy to be your namesake. My friend. My mother. The woman that gave me my best friend. Thank you so much for allowing me to enter into your family, and feel like I was one of your own.

To our most dear Aunt Agnes, one of our most favourite people on the planet… where do we begin, you will forever be “Christmas” to us. Some of our most precious memories with you will live on in our hearts. Your kindness, generosity love and light always filled the room, along with your warm smile. We will miss you so much!!! Godspeed Aunty, until we meet again… we love you always.🙏❤️ To all of our dear cousins, we are surrounding you with love, hugs and prayers at this difficult time. 🙏🙏🙏

dear Greg and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother Greg. You often spoke of her with great affection. Sincere condolences to all of your family. Peace for your grief journey. In the hope of the Resurrection

Our dear friend, (sister-in-law- sister from the heart). You will be terribly missed. We will remember you fondly with love. Your friendship and caring was cherished by us and by our family. They grew up knowing an Aunt that was very special. Adolf and I have very fond memories especially of our Boxing days and of our holidays in Florida. We loved you and will cherish your memory forever. We will always be there for your family whenever they need us Adolf and Claudette Schrempf

My dear Auntie you played a large role in my life but it was all done in your quiet, stalwart way. As a little girl visiting your home in Guyana. You and your family coming over to our house during the riots in Guyana and me feeling safe that we were all together. Receiving a package from you in which you included a doll for me. Coming to Canada feeling your love , support and encouragement. The day Derek died I received a subscription to the "Word Among Us" from you it blessed me in ways you could not imagine. Wonderful, long conversations of shared experiences, love, loss, faith and survival. I will miss you for the rest of my life, I praise God for the day of your birth.

Dearest Auntie Agnes. We will miss you dearly here. You will continue on in Gods eternal kingdom to a great and warm welcome. Say hi to the family for us and maybe put in a good word or two. I will think of you fondly and often. You are deeply woven into me. I cannot say enough how much our family loves you.