Obituary of Marie Teresa Clara Zita de SOUZA

April 18, 1928 - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

December 24, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Marie de Souza of Calgary, AB passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at the age of 91 years.

Marie Teresa was born to a large family of ten, four sisters and six brothers in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika (Tanzania). Born to parents Max C. de Souza and Julia de Souza (nee Pinto) who lived and worked in many parts of Tanganyika, Marie and her siblings were schooled by Catholic missionaries and the Swiss nuns of the St. Joseph’s Convent in Dar-es-Salaam. Marie had a sporty, outgoing personality and was a great Girl Guide.

Marie Teresa married John Eugene de Souza of Zanzibar, lived and worked and raised her family in Dar-es-Salaam. She instilled strong family values and traditions to her children and always fostered contact with her large family and the family of her late husband. She and her family spent many, many joyous entertaining times with her mother and siblings, some of whom moved to other parts of the world.

Marie and John were well-known in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Prior to immigrating to Canada, Marie completed her working life at the international firm of Coopers and Lybrand. Marie enjoyed her life in Canada and loved to cook, sew, knit, and crochet. She loved to impress with her traditional recipes and culinary skills and many a request was made for her favourite dishes and garnishes. After the demise of John Eugene, Marie became a proud volunteer at the Kerby Centre where she continued with her sewing hobbies and senior activities.

Marie loved to communicate with her large family, relatives and friends who all admired her handwriting skills. She also loved to travel and visited many countries, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Maui, England, India, Seychelles, and the United States. We believe that she could have travelled forever, and alas has now embarked on her last journey to join her departed family: sisters, Herminia, Dylia, Olivia, and brothers, Johannes, Bernard, Oliver, William, and Albert.

Despite her gradual transition from walking stick to walker, and eventually to wheelchair, Marie had an enormous resilience, strength, and courage right up to her final days. She faced her challenges with unsurpassed fortitude with the help of her family and dedicated family Doctor.

Marie had great belief in her faith and contributed to many religious charities. Her long life was blessed during this time by the companionship and compassionate care from her cherished and dearest youngest son, NEVILLE. We salute him!

Marie is survived by her children, her youngest brother and many relatives around the world.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Marie’s favourite song: "Mother of Mine"

Marie’s favourite Flower: Pink Carnation

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church (1100 Berkshire Boulevard N.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  Reception to follow at the church with graveside following at Queen’s Park Cemetery.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Marie’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Marie de Souza.