With deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of Diana Belo, our beloved mother and grandmother, in her 78th year. A woman whose warmth was felt by everyone who met her.<\/p>\n
Nancy (Stephen Groff), Michelle (David Tomassetti), and Richard (Sabrina) take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her Honey Bunny, great love, and best friend of over 50 years, Juvenal, and we picture him welcoming her with his big smile.<\/p>\n
Lucas, Jacob, Sierra, Jaiden, Marco, Nathan, and Leila will carry their \u201cAvoa\u201d in their hearts always. She was the kind of grandmother who loved without condition, accepted without question and believed in you before you ever believed in yourself. She didn\u2019t just watch them grow; she was engaged in their lives and brought the kind of love that made you feel like the most important person in the world, because you were to her.<\/p>\n
Our Sunday dinners were a place for weekly connection, and as our family grew with Julia, Nicole, and Abdel, her love and value of belonging extended naturally to them as well. As she would say, \u201cThere is always room at the table for more\u201d.<\/p>\n
Diana embodied love and left an imprint on each of us. We are better people because of her.<\/p>\n
Diana was the daughter of Antonio and Mary Alves, and the sister of Joe (Rita). She was born in New Bedford, MA and raised in Windsor, CT, where a large and loving family helped shape her deep commitment to family closeness, tradition and togetherness. At 18, after two years of a long-distance courtship, she married Juvenal and relocated to Toronto, Ontario, to begin their married life together.<\/p>\n
In Toronto, her family extended with Juvenal\u2019s parents, Antonio and Lourdes, and his siblings Tony (Diva), Joe (Delores), Maria (Peter), Duarte (Sue), and Ernie (Diane). These couples were not just siblings; they were best friends who raised their children together, shared traditions, and remained deeply connected as life changed and families grew. To her nieces and nephews, Diana is a cherished \u201cTia\u201d.<\/p>\n
Diana had a way about her that made people feel as though they had known her forever. Just a few minutes with her and you felt her genuineness. She leaves behind many dear friends with heavy hearts.<\/p>\n
As a long-standing member of the Catholic Women\u2019s League, Diana lived her faith with quiet intention, offering her time, care and presence in her community.<\/p>\n
Though our hearts ache, we lean into gratitude for the privilege of having been loved by someone as special as her.<\/p>\n