On November 27, 2022, Hortense Eduina Nunes Avila passed away peacefully with her family at her side at the age of 87.

Hortense was born in Castelo Banco, Faial Azores. She leaves behind her children Tony (Joan), Maria (Robert), Wilde, Mario (Montserrat), Luis (Judy), and Paul; 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents Edwino Nunes and Hortense Alice Goulet, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Hortense was the last family member in the Nunes lineage.

Hortense was a beautiful, strong and compassionate woman. She left Faial in 1960 with two small children, Tony and Maria and made the long difficult journey to reunite with her husband Antonio who had been in Canada for 3 years already. After reuniting with her husband, the family lived in Giscome, a small town east of Prince George, where they lived for many years. Hortense had 3 more children when she came to Canada, Mario, Luis and Paul.

The family moved to Prince George many years later, where she found employment with the school district and worked as a custodian. Years later, mom and dad finally settled in Oliver to retire where she made friends in the Portuguese community.

She prayed for her family faithfully each day and loved to pray her rosary each day as well. She also loved to pray and listen to Divine Mercy, that helped her to keep going when she was sick and in a lot of pain.

Hortense had the gift of hospitality. Her door was always open to share a cup of coffee and a dessert with whomever came by and she would often invite visiting priests over for meals.
She was a wonderful cook and her potluck dishes would always be the first to go.

Hortense would also spend time knitting and made beautiful blankets for her grandchildren.

We all love you mom, though you may be gone from this earth, your memory and legacy will stay with us, your grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Our hearts are filled with sorrow for our loss but you will always remain in our hearts and minds.

Rest in Heavenly Peace.

Rosary and prayers will be recited at 10:30 am followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 am Friday, December 9. Interment and committal will follow at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery.

Reception hosted by the CWL will follow in the church lower hall.