Mrs. Maria Helena Marques Villela
elevated zxmrC December 9, 1953 – October 27, 2022
elevated zxmrC Funeral Mass
Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 12:00 PM
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated zxmrC For those unable to attend the Funeral Mass in person, you may watch via live stream by clicking HERE
elevated zxmrC Obituary
Maria Helena Marques Villela, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, passed away in Toronto, on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 68 years old. Devoted wife of Paulo. Beloved mother to Adriana (Ian) and Renata (Josh). Cherished Vovó to Hannah. Lena was larger than life and was a brilliant storyteller. She was a strong and fierce woman who loved art, history, and nature, and who adored her family. She was a world traveler who visited 5 out of 7 continents.
elevated zxmrC In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Toronto Wildlife Center or to Second Harvest
My condolences to the Villela’s loss of such a beautiful wife, mother and Grand Mother :(. Regrettably I have had only a few chances of interacting with her but she left a deep impression of how caring and compassionate she was as a mother and later on as a Grand Mother. May she rest in peace and be remember as the lovely Grandmother and Mother that she was while she was with us. You will be greatly missed.
Very sad news Paulo! I can not believe that this happened to a young vibrant woman who was so active always. We will miss seeing her smile in the condo and exchanging pleasantries. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Paulo, I am very sorry to hear this sad news. Please accept my deepest sympathy . I will always remember her as a very cheerful , friendly and active lady, looking lovely wearing her hats .
Ursula
Hello Paulo,
I am so sorry for your loss. Last time, Maria was happy about my first travel to Europe. She was always so energetic and happy.
There are no words to convey how terrible it is.
Wishing you and your family all the peace and comfort possible.
Sylvia
Dear Paulo and Family,
I am holding you all close to my heart… Maria loved you all so very much and always spoke of you with such pride, warmth and a twinkle in her eye. When we swam together, I always marvelled at Maria’s energy, her beautiful smile and her inner and outer glow. I was heartbroken to hear of your devastating loss. I know that Maria’s love of life, nature, flowers and animals will live on in each you. She will be deeply missed. Thinking of you all with sincerest sympathy… 🤍
Meus sentimentos ao Paulo, à Adriana(Ian), Renata(Josh) e Hannah pela triste perda. Jamais me esquecerei da minha grande amiga da adolescência, pessoa especial, que contagiava a todos com incrível alegria de viver.Que Deus os conforte nessa adversidade e aceitem o meu apoio e carinho. Tereza Brito
Dear Paulo,
It seems like each day I have found myself thinking about you and wishing you strength and some moments of peace as you go through your day. The notice of Maria’s passing was one of the most vivid obituaries I have read – your choice of photograph and your words captured her spirit.
Please know how very sorry I am.
With sincere sympathy,
Sylvia
Paulo and family,
Leonard and I are sending you our sincerest condolences. Maria was always a joy to speak with. Her smile radiated such warmth and kindness. We mourn with you and hope that the many memories that you have of Maria will warm your hearts.
We are shocked and very sad to hear of the passing of our good friend Maria Helena, so untimely and difficult to accept. We met her in Rio de Janeiro many decades ago and we have been friends since then with her and Paulo. She was an extraordinary mother, wife and friend, always full of enthusiasm, energy and joy, always trying to capture the beauty of nature and family with her photographs. We will miss her so much! We pray for Paulo, her daughters Adriana and Renata, their husbands and granddaughter Hannah. May her soul be in Peace!
Paulo
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Maria. We will miss her smiles and seeing and exchanging words during her many walks in the outdoors. Wishing you and your family all the strength and peace during this difficult time.
Dear Paulo, Adriana, Renata, and all,
Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
We enjoyed knowing Maria and can see her strength, determination, and positivity that she passed on to her children. May memories of Maria give solace and may we honour her with love of family.
Dearest Renata, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. To God we all belong and to God we are all returning.
Your mother sounds like a remarkable woman and I regret that I did not have the opportunity to meet her on this earth. May God bless her and ease her transition to the next life. May she Rest In Peace & Love! Lots & lots of love and prayers to you and your family, Yusra
Dear Adriana and family, I’m deeply saddened for your loss. I’m sure your mom was an incredible woman and proud of the people you all became. Sending you our thoughts and warmest condolences.
Dear Ren, Josh and family
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love and our sincerest condolences.
Michael, Melissa, Finley, Sasha and Luna
Paolo and family.
My deepest condolences. I met Maria just after you moved into the condo. We chatted in Portuguese and talked about Brasil.
We were swimming friends, always chatting in the change room.
Maria was always friendly. We chatted about our walks and life in the condo. I can’t believe she’s gone. She will be missed.
Bobbi Greenberg