Pinto, Celia

CELIA PINTO, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late John Pinto, passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare on December 3, 2023, at the impressive age of 99 years.

She is survived by her daughters Helen Pinto, Alice (Don) Matisz; granddaughter Jessica (Andrew) Maneschyn; and great-grandson Emmet Maneschyn. In addition to her husband, Celia was predeceased by her adult daughter Joanna Pinto. Celia will also be remembered by her sister Cybele (Francis) Noronha (in Lethbridge); sisters-in-law Antoinette Carvalho (in Lethbridge), Arlinda Pinto (in England), Doreen Pinto (in England); and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends around the globe.

Celia was born in Mombasa, Kenya when the country was still a British colony. She was fascinated by the British monarchy, especially Queen Elizabeth II, to whom she was sometimes compared because of her elegance and reserve. Celia was educated at Star of the Sea Convent School where she later taught. It was here that Celia acquired her lifelong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Celia’s high standards, both as a teacher and personally, were legendary. Many of her former students are thankful for her exacting tutelage which contributed to their success.

Celia married in her late thirties, having waited for a man like John whom she admired for his considerate and kind nature. They were both teachers earning modest salaries but Celia’s frugal housekeeping ensured their family never felt deprived. Celia was committed to her three daughters’ care and schooling. She and John sacrificed much to facilitate their children’s education abroad. They were assisted by the generosity of Cybele and Francis. Years later, these opportunities resulted in the family’s emigration to Canada.

Once in Lethbridge, Celia adapted to the loss of her former home and community by embracing her new granddaughter, Jessica. Although her ‘world’ was smaller, it was no less happy. She enjoyed babysitting, tending her balcony planters, doing crossword puzzles and taking daily walks with John. They led a quiet, peaceful life. In 2001, John and Celia were devastated by the illness and death of their daughter, Joanna. In 2021, Celia’s heart was broken again by the unexpected death of her husband of 60 years. She was consoled a month later by the birth of great-grandson Emmet.

Throughout her health issues, Celia’s iron will and strong faith sustained her. She never forgot that her life had been consecrated to Mary, through sorrows and joys, from youth to advanced age. So we are confident that Mary remembered Celia at the hour of her death.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Celia’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.