Maria Bernardina Avila

A beautiful life is one lived with laughter, spoken with integrity, and remembered with love. So was Maria’s life. She sadly left this world on December 29, 2022 at the age of 73 and as a result the world is a little dimmer.

Maria Bernardina Avila was born on January 21st, 1949 to her parents Francisco and Arlete Da Silva in Santa Cruz, Ribeiras, Pico, Azores. Maria was the oldest of three siblings, her late brother Orlando, and her surviving sister Margaret.

Maria’s young life was filled with all the elements that an immigrant’s childhood consists of. With her brother and sister being seven and fourteen years younger, Maria was the fun, loud, caring mother hen. Maria was no stranger to new experiences, travel, and culture. These journeys all began when she met the love of her life Manuel on a family summer trip back home. Throughout her life she lived in three countries and visited countless more. After a short courtship, they married in Toronto Canada, on December 10th, 1966. Five years later Manuel and Maria welcomed their daughter, Nancy and so began a new chapter as a family of three.

Maria first worked as a hairdresser and opened up her own salon. While she always prided herself on her style and looks, she was beautiful inside and out. Maria was kind, loving and fun. Although sorely missed in Canada, the trio moved to California. Maria rose through the ranks to Operations Officer at Peninsula Bank where she worked until her retirement. Everywhere Maria went she left sunshine, laughter and her blunt honesty. After retirement she enjoyed travelling with her close friends and family finding new places to discover, eat new foods and have fun.

Although Maria has left this world there is no doubt, she is enjoying herself with her loved ones who have passed. She will be deeply missed by her loving family including her husband, daughter, sister, extended family and friends.

For those sending flowers to the service we appreciate you greatly and also for those who would like to donate in lieu of flowers please donate to American Cancer Society or Canada Cancer Society.