Cordeiro, Jane

JANE CORDEIRO (née Sequeira), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Edmond Cordeiro, passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Health Centre - Palliative Care Unit on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at the age of 86 years.

She leaves her loving daughter, Lorna (Conrad), brother Romano (Sylvie), sister Sally (Xavier), sisters-in-law: Hyacinth, Anita, and Lousine Cordeiro, along with many nieces and nephews.

Besides her beloved husband, Edmond, Mom was predeceased by her son Arthur, sister Diana, and her parents Jovito and Tina.

Mom was born on August 29, 1937 in Mombasa, Kenya. She was one of four children and had what she described as an 'idyllic' childhood - excelling at sports, playing outside all day, enjoying tropical fruit (madafus, custard apples and mangos), and wading in the nearby ocean. She was a 'mischievous tomboy' who preferred being outside to her school studies; however, she had a keen brain which she applied throughout her life.

She married the love of her life, Edmond, in 1959 and honeymooned near Kilimanjaro, before returning to Mombasa to live in their new home designed by her father. In 1965, Mom and Dad, looking for better opportunities and political stability, emigrated to Canada. Despite the sometimes harsh weather and lack of proximity to her loving parents, it was a decision she never regretted.

Prior to moving to Canada, Mom had relied on her mother to provide meals, and her domestic staff to look after her children, garden and home. Emigrating to Canada came with many challenges; however, she soon became a proficient cook and baker and excelled at home related pursuits. She sewed all our clothes (whether we liked it or not!), cut our hair beautifully, fixed taps and household items and managed the family finances. Mom had the mind of an engineer and the organizational skills of a project manager, along with a strong streak of perfectionism. She also loved beauty as reflected in her garden.

While Mom preferred being home with her family, she challenged herself with volunteer work. She always had a strong devotion to Mary and volunteered with the Legion of Mary, taking sacraments and prayers to the sick. She was a volunteer for over 25 years with the CWL (Catholic Women's League). She also volunteered as a leader with the Girl Guides of Canada. Outside the home, Mom worked as a secretary at the University of Lethbridge (Faculty of Education) and as the Office Manager at Our Lady of Assumption Church.

Once Dad retired, Mom became an enthusiastic traveller who accompanied Dad on jaunts across North America, Europe and Asia. Mom may not have been as interested as Dad was in the culture and history of foreign lands but she enjoyed experiencing different cultures and sceneries.

Mom's love of family and God guided her throughout her life. After suffering the loss of her son Arthur in 1973, she emerged from that difficult period with a stronger faith and trust in God. Mom's courage in dealing with adversity continued throughout her life. She looked after Dad through his illness and managed to rebuild her life after his passing. Throughout her struggle with dementia and then cancer she never wanted to be a burden.

We would like to thank mom's friends and extended family for their prayers and support. Her amazing caregivers, spiritual advisers, AHS Home Care Case Managers, and the excellent staff (Doctors, RNs, LPNs, HCAs & RTs) at St. Michael's.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Jane's obituary on the Cornerstone website.

A private Family Interment will be held in Mountain View Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom's name to The Alzheimer Society of Canada (Alzheimer.ca).