Cloutilda D'Souza

Jan 13,1940 - Mar 30,2022

On Wednesday March 30, 2022, Cloutilda passed away at home with her husband Leo by her side.

Cloutilda (Cleo) Fernandes was born on January 13, 1940 in Goa,to Nicolau P. Fernandes and Amelia Fernandes. She was the second oldest of 7 children. At a young age the family moved to Nairobi, Kenya. Cleo did her primary education at the Dr Riberio Goan School but had to leave school at the tender age of 13 to support the family. At the age of 25 she met and married the love of her life, Leo. She worked for East African Railways until her post was Africanized after Kenya's independence. She endured a few difficult years in Goa with limited funds and 3 small children to raise until her late brother Jacinto sponsored her to migrate to Canada. Starting a life with her husband by her side in a new country with three young children brought new challenges, but it was nothing that Cloutilda could not handle. However, she was notorious for finding the good in every situation. Through poverty, she found appreciation for the little things, through her lack of education, she developed a strong work ethic and determination that allowed her to succeed in anything she put her mind to. Her strength came from God and she shared God’s way of life every day in her own life.

Cloutilda retired from working at the Toronto Dominion Bank after 35 years. She kept herself busy with her grandchildren and took the time to travel. Everyone enjoyed being in her company. Cloutilda will always be remembered for having a smile on her face as well as putting a smile on theirs.

Cloutilda had a heart of gold and would do anything to lend a helping hand. She was very inspirational to her children and grandchildren. She was always spreading hope and encouraging everyone to see the brighter side of every situation.

Her last 7 years were a challenging for her, health-wise. She suffered a stroke while undergoing a quadruple heart bypass surgery, which left her with partially paralyzed. Additional strokes followed until a major stroke left her bedridden and wheelchair bound for her last 3 years. A recent stroke finally took her life.

Cloutilda is survived by her husband, Leo, their three children, Melanie Saunders (Neil Saunders), Malcolm D’Souza (Barbara D’Souza), Michelle Yip (Peter Yip); grandchildren, Kyle Saunders, Kaylene Saunders, Autumn D’Souza, Curtis D’Souza, Melissa Yip, Marcus Yip and Matthew Yip. Cloutilda was preceded in death by her eldest brother, Jacinto Fernandes and is survived by her brothers Alex Fernandes, Francis Fernandes, Frank Fernandes, Dominic Fernandes and Sister Emily D’Souza.

Webcast: Funeral Ceremony (April 5, 2022) To skip beginning move scrubber to approx 0:13:20

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