Rita Felicidade Medina de Sousa

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Rita Felicidade Medina de Sousa (nee da Costa), at the age of 84, on Monday, April 17, 2023, after a brief illness with brain cancer. She passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family.

Rita was predeceased by her loving husband Alvaro (1931-1998), her parents Sebastião and Violanta (Effie), and her brother Fredrick.

She will be dearly missed by her three children, Leo (Dawn), Tonia (Marc), and Patrick (Sheila), and her grandchildren, Erin (Jasminne), Will (Kamaria), Mateus, Zoe, and Brennen, as well as Philip Johnson, who she considered like a son. Rita is also survived by her sister-in-law Dulce, her brother Richard (Susan), her sister Rose (Allan), and her sister-in-law in Hong Kong, Noreen Sousa. She will be missed by her many nieces and nephews, godchildren, and other family members in Vancouver and around the world.

Rita treasured her long friendships with Jean, Darlene, Sherran, and Grace. These women held a special place in Rita’s life, and they shared wonderful times together, especially celebrating birthdays and enjoying walking in nature. Rita really loved being in the great outdoors.

Rita was born in Hong Kong in the Autumn of 1938, as the world was moving towards war. Her family was in Hong Kong when it was invaded in December 1941. They became war refugees. As Portuguese citizens, they were relocated to Macau for the remainder of the War.

Upon their return to Hong Kong, Rita’s family reestablished themselves and rebuilt their lives and friendships. She had a busy professional and social life, and finally married her long-time sweetheart, Alvaro de Sousa in April 1960.

In the late 1960s, Rita convinced Alvaro to move to Canada and restart their lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was a huge move for them, and they worked very hard to make a great life for themselves and their three children. After seven years in Vancouver, they moved to nearby Burnaby, where Rita lived happily in her new home for 48 years. She fulfilled her wish to live out her life in her house that she loved so much.

Rita was adamant about not moving into her new house until it was blessed by the parish priest. So, she drove to Saint Theresa’s, her new church, where she found Father Chang working in the garden. Recognising her immediate need, he kindly put down his tools and headed over to bless the house. Father Chang became a lifelong family friend.

Rita gained strength from her Catholic faith, which sustained her during her life and illness. She was a long-serving member and once president of the Catholic Women’s League at Saint Theresa’s Parish.

Rita started her career at the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank (HSBC) before she married. Her first job in Canada was with the Vancouver Airport. A few years later, she decided to change careers and went back to school at Langara College and became a Teacher Assistant in elementary schools. She worked for the Vancouver School Board at Chief Maquinna, wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm (formerly Sir Matthew Begbie), and Lord Strathcona elementary schools.

Alvaro’s sudden passing in 1998 devastated her, and she took the time to regain her strength, with lots of support from family and dear friends.

After 25 years of working with the Vancouver School Board, Rita retired and began a new life of fitness, travel, and adventures. She visited family and friends all around the world. She also spent much time with Tonia’s family in Mexico. Rita was beginning to plan a family trip for her 85th birthday. She had already taken her family on two epic trips, to Portugal in 2008 for her 70th birthday, and on a Rhine River cruise in 2018 for her 80th. The memories formed on these trips will be cherished by her family for a lifetime.

Rita was an active member of her gym for more than two decades, where she formed many deep friendships with women of all ages. She loved her gym and always made time to welcome new people. Rita was renowned as an inspiring member of that community, always ready to listen and support her gym friends, and organize social events for the group.

Rita led a full life of adventures, surrounded by family and friends. She supported and encouraged everyone to live life to its fullest. Her passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of her family, friends, and the many people she touched.

No gifts are necessary. If you would like to send something, consider a donation to The Trans Canada Trail (TCT). The TCT is the longest trail network in the world. It “…connects Canadians and visitors to nature and to one another, from coast to coast to coast, through accessible and inclusive outdoor activities”.

Our Mum loved going for walks in nature with her friends. She donated every year to help maintain the trail.

https://tctrail.ca/donate/ - In the Comments section please write in honour of Rita de Sousa

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountPleasantFuneral.com for the de Sousa family.