Ana Maria Defrias

Ana Maria Arruda Defrias was born on September 16, 1954 on the Azores island of San Miguel, Portugal. She was the middle child and had two sisters, Natalia and Zusana. One day, she was walking through her seaside town, and caught the eye of a certain young man named Carlos. He was so moved by her natural beauty and long hair, he went outside and waited on the street for her to return, just so he could strike up a conversation. This bold move ended up being the beginning of a beautiful love story. She moved to Canada when she was only 19 years old to be with Carlos. They married in Blue River, with the beautiful Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, and had two daughters, Patricia and Sandra. They moved to their first home in Surrey ten years later where they set down their permanent roots. Carlos and Ana are a testament of love and commitment to family. They were married for 49 years.

Ana was always very active in the Portuguese community, serving food at festas and dancing with family and friends. She was especially proud when Luisa and Sophia were in the parades as queens and flag holders. Everyone looked forward to chorizo making day, making and eating masa and her delicious malasadas. Her seafood lasagna and chicken soup were legendary! Cooking was her love language. If you were a guest in their home, you were fed.

Ana’s daughters, Patricia and Sandra, gave her 7 beautiful grandchildren that she absolutely adored. Luisa, Brandon, Lucas, Sofia, Maxwell, Oliver and Ben. She was their Vavo and had endless attention for each of them. Although she was strict with daughters, Patricia and Sandra, she was a Disneyland grandparent and had endless time for them. She would cook her grandchildren their favourite meals on demand, snuggle on the couch, slip them a little cash, be the biggest cheerleader at their soccer games and when she went shopping, she would always bring back a little something for them.

In 2010, Ana was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite enduring the chemotherapy and treatments that were hard on her body, it did not slow her down. Fancy dresses, hats, and always red nail polish, Ana had a zest for life that could not be squashed. She was the matriarch and the glue that held the family together. She was still present at her grandchildren’s events, often being so loud and boisterous at soccer matches, they wondered if the refs were going to give her the red card! She went to church on Sunday, often with little Oliver by her side. Every year, she would travel to her home island of San Miguel and take at least one daughter and one or two of her grandchildren. She even got to fulfill her lifetime dream of visiting Fatima with Luisa. She understood that it takes only one generation to lose a tradition. So, she made it a priority to teach her daughters and grandchildren everything about where they came from. She passed down the Portuguese language, culture, traditional dishes, connections with relatives and friends and told them countless stories of growing up on her beautiful paradise island. The gift of their heritage is now with Patricia, Sandra and all of the grandchildren. Cherish it and keep it alive. It is now your responsibility and honour to carry on the traditions your mom and Vavo held so highly.

On November 4 at 1:15 am in the morning, Ana lost her 14 year battle to cancer. Her eldest daughter, Patricia, was by her side and held her hand as she breathed her final breath.

Rather than focusing on how she died, Ana would want us all to remember how she lived. She was a devoted wife, and a pillar of love and support to her daughters. She taught them to be hard working, respectful, to be strong, but also to enjoy every day of your life; you never know how many days you have left. Ana led by example. When life is hard, you can still be strong and live with grace.

And most importantly….. Juizo na Cabesa!

Ana, mom, Vavo, you will be incredibly missed. You are gone too soon, but we are happy that you are no longer in pain. You can now rest in peace with your parents. Please continue to look over your family. We will always remember your smile and laugh.