Joana Maria Ferreira

In her 92nd year, Joana Maria Ferreira (née Almeida) passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, surrounded by her family at Bethel House Hospice. She was born on May 29, 1934 in São Vicente, a small town on the island of São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, where her life was shaped by faith, family, and a steadfast devotion to service.

Joana and her husband, Manuel, immigrated to Brampton, Ontario, seeking opportunity and a bright future for their family. Over the decades, Joana became a deeply respected and familiar presence within the Portuguese community of Brampton.

Joana is lovingly remembered by her son Vincent and daughter‑in‑law Elaine. She was a cherished Vavó to her grandchildren Eric and Carly, and their spouses Erika and Mike. She was a proud Bisvavo to Liam, Peyton, and Everley, each of whom brought her profound joy.

Joana is also remembered with affection by her sister Laura and brother‑in‑law Joe Vieira, and as a devoted aunt and Madrinha to Lucy (Kevin) and Fatima. She is now reunited in Heaven with her husband Manuel, her son George, daughter‑in‑law Denise, and her mother Diamantina Medeiros.

A woman of deep and unwavering Roman Catholic faith, Joana attended daily Mass and volunteered in her parish for more than twenty years. In her final weeks, she continued to draw comfort from listening to church services and praying the rosary for her family.

For 33 years, Joana served at Peel Memorial Hospital, where she retired as the head of the housekeeping department. She was highly regarded by her staff, known for her dedication, and the pride she took in ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.Joana’s hands were rarely still; tending to her large garden lined with hydrangeas and peonies, preparing traditional Portuguese dishes, or welcoming family and friends into her home. She loved to travel with her friends and was known to always be surrounded by familiar faces, always ready for a dinner outing or a visit. She continued to enjoy meeting her sister and brother‑in‑law at the Mandarin as recently as a few weeks ago.

Her greatest happiness came from her family. As a Bisvavo, she treasured gatherings where she could sit quietly and watch her great‑grandchildren play around her, grateful to witness the legacy she built.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her friends for their unwavering love and dedication, and for their faithful companionship and the many hours they spent with Joana in the hospital during her final weeks.Joana’s life was marked by faith and devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Bethel House Hospice for their care and compassion in Joana’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Joana’s name to The Bethel House Hospice or World Vision, a charity she supported for many years.

Friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home, Brampton Chapel on Monday, July 6th 2026 from 4pm - 8pm.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday morning, July 7th, 2026 at 9:30am at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 101 Malta Ave., Brampton.  Interment at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, with a reception to follow.