Maria da Luz Goncalves Soto

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Maria da Luz on November 19, 2025.

Mom was born on July 26, 1935 to Jose Eduardo Goncalves and Maria Celeste Brazinha Pereira in Silvares, Portugal.

She was the second oldest of 4 siblings, although we want to acknowledge that she had 2 sisters (Amelia and Maria Jose) that sadly died in infancy, and before she was born.  She married Antonio do Nascimento Antunes Soto on December 12, 1954 and together they had 5 children. In December of 1957 she embarked on a 7 day sea voyage to Angola, Africa with an 18 month (Joe) in tow to join our father who had gone the year before. Four years later due to the civil unrest they all returned to Portugal with an addition (Maria). In the years that followed they had 2 more children (Carlos and Anabela).

Eventually they immigrated to Canada, dad coming in 1964, mom joining him in 1966 and upon deciding it was a good place to raise family sent for the 4 kids that had been staying with our grandparents in Portugal. Eventually they added the 5 th child (Ed). As proud as she was of her children, the addition of 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren gave her enjoyment beyond words.

Mom is survived by her children: Joe, Maria (Harold), Carlos (Loretta), Bela (Howard), Ed (Clarissa). Her grandchildren: Michael, David (Natalia), Kayla, Stephanie (Nick), Anthony (Nicole), Brittany (Ryan), Tyler (Charlotte), Justin, Hayley, Dylan and Nick. Her great grandchildren: Luca, Zachery, Ariana, Mattea, Victoria, Sofia, Siena, Savella, Isabelle and Serena.

She is also survived by her brother Fernando (Maria do Ceu) and sister Lourdes, brother- in- law Jose Souto, and sister- in- law Celeste Antunes

Mom is predeceased by her parents, Eduardo and Maria Celeste, her husband Antonio, her daughter-in-law Marilia, sister Noemia her bothers-in law Manuel Solipa, Antonio Soares, Fernando Alvoco, Avelino Antunes and sisters-in-law Gracinda Alvoco and Lurdes Souto.

Mom enjoyed gardening, crocheting, knitting and visits from family and friends. She lived for weekends, that brought a continuous flow of family visiting and also for family functions and traditional holidays that brought everyone together. She prayed daily, and had a saint or angel for every occasion.

Mom had a favourite saying that she adopted as her mission statement and we think appropriate to include in this obituary:
Ler, Rezar, Cantar e Chorar…..De Alegria nao de Tristeza
Read, Pray, Sing and Cry……. Of Happiness not Sadness

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at AgeCare Miller Crossing for the care and compassion they showed our mom and the family.

Prayer Service
Monday, December 1, 2025, 6:00 pm
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish
12311 – 55 Street NW, Edmonton, AB

Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 10:00 am
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish
12311 – 55 Street NW, Edmonton, AB

Entombment
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Holy Cross Mausoleum
14611 Mark Messier Trail NW, Edmonton, AB