Albertina (Tina) Augusta De Melo Fonseca
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Albertina Augusta de Melo Fonseca. She died peacefully at home in Vancouver with family by her side after a long battle with dementia.
Albertina was born in Cercosa, Portugal to Margarida Araujo and Antonio Augusto de Melo. She was the youngest of seven children.
Albertina is survived by her husband of 67 years Augusto Fonseca, sister Olivia, daughter Maria (Doug Redmond), sons Tony (Arminda) and Manuel (Erica), grandchildren Vanessa (Eric), Stephanie, Ryan, Nicole and Trevor, great-grandchildren Olivia and London, brother and sister-in-law Armenio and Clarice Melo and several nieces and nephews.
Albertina cared deeply about the well-being of others and took great pride in her children and their families. She taught us that family comes first above everything else, while also being ready and willing to assist others when needed. She was empathetic and her kindness and generosity is remembered by her many family and friends.
She moved to Vancouver from Portugal in 1959. Also known as Tina to many of her former co-workers and friends, she worked full-time as a cook at a Vancouver restaurant while helping her husband and brother-in-law with their family-owned bakeries. Albertina later worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital before retiring in 1998. Albertina was also an accomplished baker, well known for her cheesecakes and celebratory cakes.
Albertina’s family would like to express their eternal gratitude to our loving Aunt Olivia (Albertina's sister) who was the main caregiver for her sister for the last 12 years; to our caring family practitioner Dr. Karim Harjee who made countless house calls and answered endless texts to ensure Albertina was always looked after; to the amazing community health workers from GVCSS and wonderful nurses at Robert & Lily Lee Community Health Centre who truly cared about Albertina’s well-being; and to all of our family and friends who reminisced about the positive impact Albertina had on them and their families, while showing love and support during Albertina’s difficult health issues.
Prayer Services will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:30am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2025 Napier Street, Vancouver, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.
Albertina will be sorely missed.