Maria Filomena Aguiar

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It is with great sadness that the Aguiar family announces the passing of Maria Filomena Aguiar
at the age of 82. On the evening of October 2, 2023, after receiving her last sacrament and with
her husband (Manuel Luis Aguiar), children (Patti Aguiar, Ed Aguiar, (daughter-in-law Lynne
Aguiar), and Kevin Aguiar), and precious granddaughters (Victoria and Regan Aguiar) by her
side, she peacefully passed away.

Filomena is cherished and never forgotten by her immediate family, siblings; Perpetua Soccoro
Vieira, Domingos DaSilva, Paul DaSilva, Luis DaSilva, and Francisca Oliveira. As well as her
late sister and brothers; Maria Conceição Silva, João de Brito Silva, Lionel DaSilva, José do
Carmo Silva and her beloved Antonio Silva. Additionally, her sister and brother in laws and
nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.

Born in Rabo de Peixe, São Miguel, Açores, in 1941, she was the daughter of the late Antonio
Tavares Silva and the late Flora Tavares Silva. In April 1967, she immigrated to Canada, staying
at the home of her cherished late madrinha/godmother (Candinha Silva Cabral). In December 1967, she
married her husband Manuel Luis Aguiar and they raised three wonderful children.
Filomena was a gifted family seamstress, she was the “go to” person for any family member
who needed clothing altered or an outfit made. She also had a great skill of crocheting, she
specially crocheted ponchos for her granddaughters and blankets for newborn babies in the
family.

Anyone who came to her house was always received with a warm welcome, and was well fed.
Definitely, a way to warm her heart was to accept and love her food. One of the greatest
memories that the grandchildren will cherish was at every visit, Vavó would always make sure
that they would never go home empty handed. Whether it was her homemade biscoitos
(cookies), massa (sweet bread), chouriço (Portuguese sausage), or any of her delicious meals,
all of which were made out of love. Filomena was a very humble and thoughtful woman who
would help her entire family, friends and others including strangers. Many of our family members
would hear Filomena repetitively say, “Um telefonema é uma vistia” in English translation, “a
phone call is a visit”. She very much enjoyed these daily visits.

Filomena was a very devout Catholic, a woman of strong Faith. In the early years of
motherhood, she raised her children with Catholic faith. In the later years of life, Filomena was
unfortunately unable to attend regular mass due to her declining health, but would still watch
from home every day on her laptop that Kevin would set up for her. Although Filomena was not
a materialistic person, the Macbook that Ed gave her was the best gift she has ever received.
She would daily watch her Portuguese missas (mass), music, festas (religious celebrations)
from Açores. There was no shortage of blessed religious medallions to hand out to everyone in
need of protection and devine intervention. Even in her final hours, she listened to Portuguese
missas (mass) and the rosary which calmed her during the most painful time of her life.

Filomena will be forever remembered for her devotion to her family, her Catholic faith, and her
passion and generosity to help others.