My mother Julia Maria... A life so well lived. A woman who loved her family with no boundaries. Born in Lisbon Portugal, married to the love of her life Joaquim Pedra ( died in 1992).  Had 3 children; Victor, Irene and David ( deceased at birth). The best wife and mother, a woman who put her self last in every instance. Immigrated to Canada in 1973 with her family and worked side by side with my dad to build a life better for my brother and I. At times it was so difficult that tears would flow and yet she gave us all strength to make it through. I learned from her to be a strong woman with integrity and how to be the best mom and wife

 I can be. I loved being her daughter I was amazed to see a woman from a generation ( the great depression) thrive in a foreign country uneducated and yet have the drive to push through where so many others who are native to this land fail. That dedication would teach me well when it came time to take care of her when her life was  fading right before my eyes. I was her caregiver for 6 and half years a privilege to take care of her . Now it was my time to give back what she gave me so long ago and through out my life; unconditional love, respect .It was truly an honour to be your daughter and to have the opportunity to be there and give back … life between you and I became a full circle... I love you till the end of time.