It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father José Mendonça. Born on May 27th, 1920 in Ponta Garça, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal, he died peacefully in his bed at Mount Saint Mary’s in Victoria, BC on May 20th, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. While he took his final passage into the loving arms of his saviour Jesus Christ, he departed this life listening to his family pray the rosary which he loved so much.
Our father was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Maria dos Santos, on November 6, 2010; by his three sisters, Conceição, Hortênsia, Madalena and his three brothers, Manuel, Virgilio and João. He parts this world being survived by his three children, Urânia (José), Lourdes (Jorge), Joe (Anna); his four grandchildren, Cristina, Alicia (Derek), Philip (Kelly), Nicky (Trent); his four great grandchildren Ayla, Jake, Mya, Nash; his two sisters Marta, Regina; and all of his many nieces and nephews.
He immigrated to Canada in 1962 to work in the hopes to make a new life for our family. He spent seven long years without seeing our family before Mom joined him in 1969. He then spent another year without seeing his children before finally our family was complete again in 1970. He worked what seemed like endless days in several disciplines in order to create a comfortable life for us.
He lived a full and happy life before passing only one week shy of his 96th birthday. He was a very simple man that had three great passions in his life: his devotion and love for his faith, his family which he kept close to his heart and his beautifully large garden. We are certain that if you were to take a satellite image of his house all you would see is his overgrown fig trees. One of his favourite things was to take small budding fig trees, pot them, and sell them to make extra pocket money that he would give straight to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will all remember him for his many amazing characteristics but most especially for sitting in his lawn chair under his fig trees and wearing his old and well worn flannel gardening clothes that he would take off his back and lay in the dirt so his furry friend, Marcus, could lay by his side.
The family would like to thank McCall’s Funeral Home for being so professional and understanding over this long weekend. As well, would also like to express our extreme gratitude for the care and compassion shown by the Oak Bay Lodge and especially Mount Saint Mary’s staff to our father during his last few months with us. He was well taken care of and made extremely comfortable so that his passing into heaven was peaceful.
Please join us in celebrating his life at his Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Fátima Parish on Elk Lake Drive on Wednesday May 25, 2016 at 1pm. Interment to follow at the Royal Oak Burial Park with a reception afterwards hosted by Holy Cross Parish on Gordon Head Road.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
15 Responses
To Joe & family,
A gentle soul has left our neighbourhood. Always ready with a smile and morning greeting, we will miss him. The fig trees planted in our neighbourhood will serve as a lovely tribute to a man who sowed such joy in life.
my condolences to Joe on the passing of his father, wish the family all the best.
We are so sorry for your loss. May all the love be with you all.
Mieke from Oak Bay Lodge
and David also sends his love.
We have missed you all.
We are so sorry for your loss. We would have come to the funeral yesterday but unfortunately could not make it. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Love,
Tom, Claire, William and Callum
Joe, Lourdes, Urania and all the family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was such a kind and caring man. He will surely be missed by many. May God and His Angels surround you all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Lucy, Cheryl, Lisa Ferreira
Manuel S. Achadinha