Maria passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on January 24, 2017 at the age of 79. She was predeceased by her mother, Maria Dos Anjos de Medeiros; her father, Alfredo de Frias; her husband, Valdemar Mota; and her beloved infant son. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Donald and Carlos and her daughters, Anna, Lori (Belkacem), Betty (David), and Val (Yasuhisa). Maria absolutely adored her grandchildren: Amina, Lila, Nicholas, Adam, Rie, Sam and Katie; as well as her many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Maria was born on February 11, 1937 on the island of Sao Miguel, Azores, where she married and had five children. In 1970, Maria and her young family immigrated to Canada, settling in Trail, BC where she had her youngest child, Donald.

Maria was devoted to her family, and loved nothing more than keeping them and all visitors who walked through her door well-fed. She raised six children while working in a button factory and as a hotel cook. Maria embodied selflessness, kindness, and most of all, unconditional love. She was adored by all who knew her.

We will adore and cherish you forever in our hearts, querida mãe.