Maria Alves Barata

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of a loving wife, mother, avó, and sister, Maria Alves Barata, on August 12, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

Maria was born in Cortes do Meio, Portugal, on November 2, 1940. She was the youngest of nine siblings and grew up alongside her nieces and nephews. Maria was an ambitious woman, striving for a better life. Obstacles never discouraged her; she approached each challenge with courage, strength, and resilience. At a very young age, she started her career as a seamstress, and her skill and creativity were quickly recognized and appreciated. In 1967, Maria embarked on a solo journey and reunited with her siblings to experience life in Canada. Her character and talents were admired despite being unfamiliar with the language and culture. Maria returned to Portugal, and on September 22, 1969, she married Jaime Barata. They quickly immigrated to Canada, and on July 17, 1970, her dream of building a family came true with the birth of their daughter, Anabela. She spent eight years balancing both her family life and career before their son, John, was born on April 28, 1978. With the arrival of her son, her family was finally complete.

Maria was a loving, selfless, kind, and devoted woman who always put everyone first. She was full of life and led with positivity and grace, instilling strength and confidence in others. Maria loved to be surrounded by friends and family, often laughing, dancing, and singing to Amália Rodrigues. Her legacy will carry on through the love, kindness, strength, and perseverance she generously shared with others.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Jaime; daughter, Anabela (Brian) Paskuski, and son, John (Sandra) Barata; adoring grandchildren, Sierra Paskuski, and Amelia and Alessio Barata; sister, Maria de Jesus Carrola; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family in Canada and Portugal. She was predeceased by her parents, Cesar dos Reis and Maria do Carmo Alves dos Reis; and brothers and sisters, Jose Alves, Joaquim dos Reis, Maria Patrocinia Alves dos Reis, Piedade Duarte, Anunciação Alves Gouveia, Manuel Alves dos Reis, and Maria Prazeres Alves Almeida.

Special thank you to Dr. Walter Mair and the entire staff at Citadel Care Centre for their exceptional care and compassion.

Prayer Service
Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese Parish
12311-55 Street, Edmonton, Alberta

Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese Parish
12311-55 Street, Edmonton, Alberta

Interment
Holy Cross Cemetery
14611 Mark Messier Trail, Edmonton, Alberta

In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese Parish.