Obituaries

De Sousa, Julia Maria Costa Dias

Born in Peniche, Portugal on August 6^th, 1935; passed away peacefully on March 13^th, 2023 in Richmond, BC. Predeceased by her eldest son, João José and husband, Antonino. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons Carlos (Ada), Victor (Sunny) & John Paul (Jennifer), grandsons Matthew and Lucas, granddaughters Lia and Sara, great grandson Noah; and many extended family members and friends.  Julia, a fiercely independent and strong woman, departed Portugal on her own at the age of 21 in 1957 to travel to Canada after being discovered and recruited to join an exhibition tour sponsored by The Hudsons Bay Company to display her unique specialty craft, lace with bobbin pins, to the world.  Julia travelled to several Canadian cities as a part of the exhibition and shortly after arriving on a stop in Vancouver, she met Antonino, sparking an eternal romance.  Antonino and Julia married a short time later and raised four sons who provided them with four loving grandchildren, and a great grandson, all of whom she cherished dearly. Julia worked hard throughout her career as a housekeeper to help provide for her family, however, her true passion lay in selfless charity – helping others in need without discrimination and supporting the growth and development of the Portuguese Catholic community in Vancouver throughout her life. Julia’s commitment to her faith was a true constant in her daily life, she was a living example of the values set forth by Christ and cherished sharing those values with her community and family.  Prayers will be said at 10am on Friday, March 17 by Father Antonio at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Vancouver on 1423 East 13^th Ave. The funeral mass will immediately follow at 10:30am with interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery southwest of East 41^st Ave & St George St in Vancouver. All are welcome to attend.