Beloved first-born child of Manuel and Maria Araujo, Agnes was born in Agua de Pau, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal on May 23, 1948. She lived in the Azores until age 11, when she emigrated to Canada with her mother and three younger siblings. Once there, they were reunited with her father who had journeyed to Canada a few years earlier to make a better life for his family.
Agnes was a very intelligent and resilient person. She loved the humanities. She became known for her ability to write a good essay. She did not let anything stop her, not even a tuberculosis infection. This passion would eventually lead to a teaching career. After graduating from Selkirk High School in Kimberley, BC, Agnes became a member of the Sisters of Charity in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was soon teaching in many different parts of the world, including New York and Bermuda.
Agnes left the sisterhood and returned to BC where she enrolled at Simon Fraser University to upgrade her teaching qualifications. She resumed her life as teacher in the BC public school system that took her to various schools in the lower mainland all the way up to some remote communities in the northern part of the province. Upon settling in Hope, BC, Agnes’s final teaching experience would be with the BC Correctional Service where she worked with many inmates to try and improve their literacy and numeracy skills to allow them better opportunities when they were released.
Agnes maintained a large network of friends with whom she loved to stay in touch. She was very loving of her parents and siblings. Agnes was also a very independent and strong-minded individual. She stayed true to her beliefs and ideals.
Agnes is survived by her brother Charles Araujo and his sons, Daniel, Kevin, James, and Vincent; her sister, Marie Bergeron and her daughter, Shelley; and her brothers Victor (Kathy) Araujo and Mario (Nancy) Araujo. Agnes was predeceased by her parents, Manuel and Maria Araujo, sister-in-law, Phyllis Araujo and brother-in-law, Brian Bergeron.
As Agnes got older and she started needing support, her cousin Walter and his wife Shirley were there for her. However, Agnes’s very special, long-time friend, Marianne, was her guardian angel in her final days. Marianne’s devotion and unconditional love for her friend exemplifies her selflessness. The Araujo family is very appreciative for all Marianne did for Agnes.
Agnes passed away peacefully on May 15, 2022, in Hope, BC with her brother Victor at her side.
A private celebration of Agnes’s life will take place at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hendersonsfunerals.com for the ARAUJO family.
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