Jane Bertha Rodrigues
December 27, 1934 – January 12, 2025
With hearts heavy, yet grateful for her life so beautifully lived, we share the passing of Jane Bertha Rodrigues, cherished matriarch of the Rodrigues family, at the age of 90 years old. Beloved wife to Alcino Joseph Rodrigues for fifty-eight wondrous years, devoted mother to Dominic Joaquim and loving mother-in-law to Chantal Marie, Jane’s legacy of love, wisdom, and faith will echo through generations.
Affectionately known as “Grandma” to her treasures of four grandchildren—Kashmira Christina, Sheridan Joaquim, Rania Marie, and Haydn Dominic—Jane was the beating heart of our family. Her warmth and gentle spirit bound us together with the enduring thread of unconditional love. Jane’s prayers, constant and steadfast, served as the quiet compass that guided our family through life’s joys and challenges.
Though she is no longer with us, the beauty of Jane’s presence lingers, in the way she made each of us feel cherished, in the inspiration she sparked to strive for our best selves, and in her simple yet profound reminder to enjoy every minute of life.
Born to Lily (née Botelho) and John De Souza in the coastal village of Anjuna, Goa, India, Jane was a sister to Gregory & Sybil (late) (London, England), Nancy & Augustino (late) (London, England), Joseph & Hilda (Mississauga, Canada), and Thaddeus & Margaret (Brampton, Canada), and an aunt and grandaunt to their many children and grandchildren.
Jane’s roots were humble, but her spirit was mighty. An accomplished educator with a passion for English, mathematics, and science, Jane dedicated more than five decades of her life to teaching and giving tuition to countless students in Kenya and Canada, leaving an indelible mark on every soul she touched.
Jane’s journey as an educator began with perseverance and ambition. After earning her Senior Cambridge Diploma in Mombasa, Kenya, she took up a teaching position at the local Star of the Sea School, saving enough to attend Teachers’ Training College, where she graduated with a distinguished First Class teaching certificate
In 1966, Jane married Alcino, the love of her life. Together, they embarked on a new chapter in their shared journey by emigrating to Toronto in 1969 with their infant son Dominic. Jane and Alcino’s early years in their new country were shaped by hard work, humility, and the kindness and compassion of strangers, such as the Roberts family, a Hungarian couple who welcomed them to their Rosedale boarding house on 1075 Yonge Street. The Roberts and many others opened their own lives to Jane and Alcino during those early years in Canada, making the Rodrigues family feel less like strangers in their new country.
Jane’s passion for learning was matched only by her devotion to her family. She guided Dominic through his education and poured her teaching expertise into the lives of her grandchildren, who, like their parents, have grown to shine in the pursuit of their chosen professions. A woman of vision and resilience, Jane exemplified the power of determination, transforming her aspirations into achievements despite the barriers she faced.
Her unwavering Catholic faith illuminated every corner of her life, providing solace and strength through all seasons. This faith, rooted deeply in the Rodrigues family, continues to flourish in her son and daughter-in-law and in her grandchildren, testaments to the values Jane held most dear.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Mississauga Trillium Hospital and to Rose and Sharon, the personal support workers who cared for Jane in her final years. Their kindness, patience, and gentle care brought Jane comfort and peace, for which our family is profoundly thankful.
We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, neighbors, and our community. Your condolences, calls, and messages are proof of the resounding impact Jane had on everyone she encountered. Rest assured, each message is loved and will be acknowledged in time.
Though Jane has departed from this earthly realm, her light shines on—brighter than ever—in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Rest in eternal peace, dearest Jane, as we carry your legacy forward with love, gratitude, and faith.
A memorial service will be held to honor Jane’s extraordinary life. Details will follow in due course.
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