Obituary of Gemma De Souza

Gemma De Souza

Gemma the peacemaker, the peace lover, the gentle woman. She dedicated her life and purpose to be in service of her family with such love and devotion.

Gemma shared her love of music in so many ways fostering this love in her children and grandchildren. Her music was expressed in playing the piano and in her voice as a cantor, soloist and choir member for St. Denis Church for over 40 years from 1972 to 2016.

She performed many musical works with Chorus Niagara which was a highlight of her musical experience.

When Gemma was not making music, her other creative talents were evident in oil paintings as she captured some of the Trinidad landscapes where we lived, sewed bridesmaid dresses and Denis Morris High School graduation gowns, and together with our Dad hosted parties that always included music with many of the delicious multicultural foods she made.

We will miss the earthly presence of our mother, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend who has impacted our lives in so many ways, but she has etched in our hearts memories that will live in all who she touched.

Thank you for the lessons you have taught us all as a peacemaker and peace lover fashioned after St. Francis “Lord make me an instrument of your Peace” She was indeed that.

Please join us for a Funeral Mass at St. Denis Church, 230 Lake St. in St. Catharines on Friday May 2, at 1030am followed by a Celebration of Life reception at Rodman Hall Mansion from 12:00 -2:30pm at 109 St. Paul Crescent, St. Catharines.

If so desired, donations made  to St. Denis Church or Chorus Niagara in Gemma's memory would be greatly appreciated by her family.