Maria Da Luz Inocência Marques Braz

Maria Da Luz Inocência Marques Braz passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at the age of 89.

Maria was born on August 8, 1935, to Joaquim Anacleto Marques and Nazaré de Jesus Inocência in the small town of Boxinos, Portugal. On October 13, 1951, she married her husband, José Vicente Braz, in Bogas de Cima, Portugal. Although José immigrated to Canada in 1957 in search of a better life for their family, Maria did not join him until 1969, when she came to Canada with their five children at the time.

Though she never learned to read or write, Maria was never held back by this. Her education came from life itself—through resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering drive to support her family. As the eldest of seven siblings, she began working early in life to help her parents and siblings and carried that work ethic with her throughout her life. She continued to demonstrate this strength and determination as she and José built a new life in Canada.

Their family eventually grew to six children. At the time of her passing, Maria was a proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren and great-grandmother to sixteen great-grandchildren. In her eyes, this was her greatest achievement.

Maria was known as a tough, strong, and independent woman who loved her family fiercely and always put them first. She loved working in her garden, inventing tools to make her chores easier, and had a soft spot for babies and puppies—her greatest weaknesses.

She leaves behind her children: Ilda (Tony), José (Eugenia), Joaquim (Elizabeth), Mario (Nadina), Vergilio (Georgina), and daughter-in-law Sherry. She is also survived by her siblings: José (Teresa), Abílio (Florinda), Olivia (Paul), Henrique (Maria dos Anjos), and Luís (Manuela); and sister-in-law Maria José.

Her grandchildren: Lucy (Neil), Angie (Dave), Elaine (Dan), Jordan (Maria), Nazaré (Jesse), Stefanie, Michael, Jenifer (Evan), Noah, Joshua, Nelson, and Silvia. She also leaves behind sixteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins around the world.

Maria was predeceased by her parents, Joaquim and Nazaré; her husband, José; her brother, Joaquim; and her son, Adelino.

Maria’s happiest moments were when her home was filled with her loved ones. When her house was full, her smile was brightest, and her heart was most content. Family was the most important thing in her life, and she spent her life passing down those values to her children.

Maria will be deeply missed by her family and forever cherished in their hearts.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Eaux Claires Extendicare for the compassionate and tireless care they provided to our mother.

Prayer Service
Monday, May 12, 2025, 6:00PM
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish
12311 – 55 Street NW Edmonton, AB

Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 10:00AM
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish
12311 – 55 Street NW Edmonton, AB

Interment
St. Michael's Cemetery
13819 82 St NW, Edmonton, AB

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Diabetes Canada, www.diabetes.ca