Obituary of Alzira DaSilva

Alzira “Maria” DaSilva passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 27, 2005 at the age of 87 years. Alzira was born in Hong Kong on January 13, 1918 and moved her family to Swift Current, SK in 1957. She was an accomplished artist, seamstress, school teacher, librarian, Gold Test Figure Skating Judge, lifetime CWL member, and devoted mother of four. Maria, as she was affectionately known in Canada, will be remembered for her calm, loving, and humble nature, her worldly wisdom, sharp wit, and her ability to care about and comfort those around her. She was a strong woman. While her husband was a prisoner of war in Hong Kong, Maria endured World War II in a Red Cross Camp where their first child died, and she was under constant threat of attack. Later, while eight months pregnant, along with her husband and two young children she traveled by ship to the United States, and by train from California to Vancouver to Swift Current, SK. A self-made woman, Maria had endless energy and created a new life for her family in a country with no relatives for support, unforgiving winters, and many cultural differences. Alzira is survived by her son Phil, his wife Jill and children Lisa and Chris; her son Mike, his wife Carmella and children Anthony, Daniel and Peter; and her daughter Angela, her husband Glenn and children Mickella and Janine. She is also survived by her brother Phil and sisters Pam, Laura and Theresa. She was predeceased by her husband, Eduardo and daughter “Dinny”; and by her brothers Bill and Carlos. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Corner of Northmount Drive & Northland Drive N.W.) on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. We wish to thank the wonderful caregivers at the Holy Cross Long Term Care Centre. In living memory of Alzira DaSilva, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.