Maria da Glória Dias

Maria da Glória Nogueira Alves Dias. June 19, 1934 (Lousada, Portugal) – September 16, 2022. With deep sadness, we announce the passing of a loving and gentle mother. She died peacefully, with family by her side during her final journey. Beloved mother of Goretty Dias (Gudmundur Johannesson), Nuno Dias (Catia), Jacinta Dias, and Samuel Dias. Cherished grandmother (‘Vovó’) to nine grandchildren (Aidan, Nuno, Marissa, Brandur, Michael, Francisca, Amilia, Adriana, Olivia). Loved younger sister of Fernanda (predeceased), and older sister of Lucia (predeceased), António, Alfredo, Joaquim, Fernanda, José (predeceased), and Maria José of Portugal. Gloria is predeceased by her parents, António Campos Alves, and Laura Nogueira Alves. Gloria is loved for her gentleness and kindness by her many nieces and nephews and their families in Canada, Portugal, and abroad.

Gloria was born in Lousada, Portugal. She grew up helping her parents with their general store, vineyard, and the household, and helped take care of her much younger siblings, like they were her own children. She was dedicated to her family and her local church and community in Lousada.

In 1960, while at a Catholic youth Congress in Lourdes, France, she met her future husband, Ilidio Dias. In 1963, they got married in Silvares, Lousada, Portugal, and settled into life in Fradelos, Portugal. Due to difficult economic times, Gloria and Ilidio emigrated to Sweden in 1965 to work, and eventually to London, Canada, in 1966.

Gloria was a passionate, intelligent, compassionate and loving human being, who served her family, church, and community her entire life. She was strongly influenced by the life of St. Therese of Lisieux, a Carmelite, who inspired Gloria through her simple life and the way she did everything with love. In 1998, she became a secular member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, where she made a vow of poverty and service.

Gloria was extremely sensitive, with a rich inner life. She preferred quiet and solitude, and was attracted to beauty found in family and religious traditions, in gardens and flowers, and in nature. She loved to write prose and poetry and always hoped she could publish a book.

Her children are deeply influenced by her endless love, her love of music, and the legacy of her many creative skills. She was a talented cook, seamstress, knitter, designer, and produced crafts of infinite perfection. She was also an entrepreneur, who had successful businesses in both Portugal and Canada.

Gloria spent the last years of her life at Mount Hope Centre, and we are forever grateful for the love and care that she received from all the staff and the special bonds she shared with many.

Visitation will be held at Needham Funeral Home (520 Dundas Street) on Thursday, September 22, from 5 to 8 pm, with a "Celebration of Life" at around 7 pm. The funeral will be held at Holy Cross (10 Elm Street-parking on green across from entrance) on Friday September 23 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (https://ssvplondon.com/canadahelps.php) or Life Spin (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/lifespin/)