A gentle and loving lady suddenly left our world after a short battle with leukemia on October 24th at the age of 81.  Formerly of Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, Elvira was predeceased by her beloved husband Francisco Rodrigues and brother Menino Soares.

Left to cherish her life are her loving son, Ricardo and his wife Diane and son Xavier, her daughter Rosa and her husband Robert Helm and their two daughters Kristie and Riley, her sister Christina and her husband Diarmuid Collins, her sister Esmeralda and her husband David Franklin, brother Agnelo Soares and his son John of Tanzania, and her brother Anthony Soares and his wife Brigette of Germany.

Elvira was a devout Catholic who worked as a secretary at the East African Railways and Harbours in Tanzania for many years.  She and her family also lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil until pancreatic cancer claimed her husband's life in 1980.  After moving to Canada she worked as a home support care nurse until her retirement.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, sociallzing with relatives and friends and looking after her 3 grandchildren.

Many Thanks to Dr. Sugar and the nurses of Lions Gate Hospital Palliative Care.  Special thanks also to friends Elizabeth, Barbara, Benny, Alcina and Ximena who were helpful to the end.

Prayers service to be held at 8:00pm on Wednesday, November 2nd at St. Patrick's Church in Vancouver (2881 Main Street).  Funeral service will also be at St Patrick's Church on Thursday, November 3rd at 10:00am, with reception to follow in the church hall.
Funeral preparations by Kearney Funeral Services.

Instead of flowers, please give masses for the repose of Elvira's soul.  Donations in memory of Elvira Rodrigues may also be made to the "Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada" (1-877-668-8326).