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Sylvia Fernandes
August 19, 1940 - April 8, 2017
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<div itemprop="description">In the early hours of April 08, 2017, our mom, grandmother , and wife passed peacefully into the arms of our loving God after courageously enduring a variety of illnesses for well over 20 years. Sylvia was born in Karachi, Pakistan to Mark and Julie Fernandes. The 5th of 8 children. After graduating from high school , she attended secretarial college and started her career initially with pharmaceutical giant Burroughs Wellcome , subsequently moving on to the Oil and Gas corporation Caltex. <br> <br>She met her faithful and devoted husband , Fermin through the gentle yet persistent prodding of her future mother-in law. They were married in 1963 and were Blessed with four children. They Immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1976 believing that this country afforded the best future for their growing children. They endured many challenges during those early years. But Mom and Dad persevered with unparalleled dignity and grace. In Canada, Mom continued her secretarial career with the Diagnostics company Picker X Ray and then Military contractor Paramax . Unfortunately, a stroke which left her paralyzed on her right side put an unexpected end to her career . However , Mom always had a "can do" attitude and a fierce work ethic ; no easy task as a working mother to four young children. She prepared for Canada by learning French and was willing to do whatever it took to succeed; never complaining despite the many health challenges that continued to mount. These difficulties did not diminish her very competitive nature whether it was running a 100 meter race, Table Tennis, Bingo or cheering on her beloved Montreal Canadians in her later years . Mom was undeniably focused and determined- she always had her eye on the prize <br> <br>Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling to Europe , The Dominic Republic , within Canada , and sojourns back home to Pakistan. Sylvia is survived by Fermin, her husband of almost 54 years; children Rock (Heidi), Milly ( John) , Colin ( Anna) and Kevin; grandchildren, Christian, Sebastian, Isabella, Dante, Victoria, Matteo, Tobiyah, and Isaiah; nieces Thrasilla, Cassilda, Suzanne, Karen, Clarie; nephews Gervase, Mark, Raphael ; brother in law Marshal ( Julie) and numerous other relatives. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Felix and Noel, sisters Esther and Viviane , brother in law Fr. Anthony Gonsalves and granddaughter Briella. <br> <br>Our family would like to convey our deepest gratitude to Dr Joyce Pickering and her staff. The team at the CLSC -St. Laurent, the respiratory team with Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Dr. Coleman, and the Emergency and Palliative care units at The Mcgill University Health Center for caring for Mom with endearing compassion. <br> <br>In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Royal Victoria Hospital foundation in memory of Sylvia Gonsalves. <br> <br></div>