It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we, the Cabral family, share with you the passing of our beloved Father, and patriarch of our family, Alfredo “Sweetie” Mendonca Cabral at the age of 84. Alfredo was born in the town of Ribeirinha on the Island of Sao Michael in the Azores Islands, Portugal on September 30th, 1936. A dedicated family man and extremely hard worker, Alfredo leaves behind his son Emanuel Cabral (Lynn Kieran) of Timmins and daughter Maria Cabral of Thunder Bay and a large extended Portuguese family with many beloved and cherished nieces and nephews as well as loyal friends and neighbors. He is predeceased by his wife, the love of his life of 56 years, Conceicao Mederios Arruda Cabral who passed in 2004, his father Martineaneo Pacheco Cabral and mother Maria da Estrela Branco Mendonca, his sisters Odiana Uncao and Leontina Medeiros, brothers-in-law Jaime Uncao and Deodato Medeiros, mother-in-law Leonilda Arruda and father-in-law Hermano Arruda Sr., sister-in-law Dealina Arruda, nephews Jose Francisco Arruda, Carlos Arruda, and Matthew Wheaten, beloved niece Tina Arruda and brothers-in- law Jose Arruda and Bernardino Arruda.
A very passionate, hard working and strong man, Dad prided himself on a hard day’s work and a job well done. He taught us the value of a dollar and to always learn and work hard. He instilled in us the values to set a goal, keep your eye on the prize and take pride in whatever you accomplish. Dad prided himself in providing for his children’s education, so that we could do more and be more. Immigrating to Canada in 1970 with his young new family, Dad intended to stay for only a year. Fifty-one years later, he never regretted making the lovely, friendly, peaceful Northwestern Ontario town of Manitouwadge his second home. There he worked for Noranda Geco Division for 25 years. Some of his greatest pleasures were raising his family, tending to his vegetable garden, handing out candies to local children, and dog treats to his neighbourhood four legged friends and entertaining his friends with copious amounts of home made Portuguese red wine, Portuguese brandy and Portuguese food while playing the harmonica or laughing and sharing the stories “of the good old days”.
Dad was a man of deep faith. He loved the priests, parishioners and the Roman Catholic congregation of our Lady of Lourdes Church in Manitouwadge with whom he practiced his faith daily. They were truly an extension of his family. The church community filled his life with purpose, love and devotion. A deep love and admiration grew as his friendship blossomed with Father Lawrence, who has now returned to India, and with Father Gino, who is now in Fort Frances. Their special friendships and bond truly made an impact on his life.
A generous man, Dad possessed a profound care and compassion for the less fortunate, especially for those with a hungry belly and in need of a meal. In keeping with Dad’s generosity, in lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Manitouwadge Food Bank, c/o Carol Baye, P.O. Box 804, Manitouwadge, ON P0T 2C0 (or your local food bank), or to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, or to the Sante Manitouwadge Health or to the Canadian Cancer Society.
We would like to extend a heartfelt and sincere thank you to Dr. Park, Dr. Ross, and all of the nursing staff including Mickela, Kylie, Erika, Christian, Emma, Annie, Anne Marie, Chantelle, Tracy, Debbie, Rona, Laurie, Daniella, Ram, Mansi, Amanda for the kindness, care and compassion that you not only showed Dad but us too. You are truly angels on earth. To all the departments and staff including Fatima, Johnny, Marcia, and Treena at Sante Manitouwadge Health for their extraordinary, compassionate care, tenderness, love and respect shown to all of us during this difficult, trying time. We are grateful beyond measure that Manitouwadge is his final resting place because we know how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such love, admiration and kindness.
Due to the new Covid-19 restrictions, the Family apologizes, however, there will be a private family only (due to a maximum of 10 persons limit) visitation and funeral service at Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, Manitouwadge on Saturday April 24, 2021. Interment will follow at the Manitouwadge Cemetery where Alfredo will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife on what would have been their 56th anniversary. Online services can be viewed live at Facebook by visiting the Kerry Funeral Home Ltd. page beginning at 12:00 noon.
Rest easy now Dad, safely in the arms of Jesus. Please give Mom a hug and kiss from us. We will miss you always and forever. We hope that we continue to make you proud. We will never take for granted the great memories you left with us. Watch over us dear Dad. Papa abenca. Obrigado para todo.
(Arrangements entrusted to the Kerry Funeral Home, Wawa, 1-800-439-4937).