Obituary of Florinda das Candeias Cara de Anjo Godinho Pinto

It is with our hearts completely broken that we announce the passing of Florinda Pinto, Loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. At Sagewood Lodge on the 15^th day of August 2023.  

Florinda’s Life was one filled with love, resilience, and a deep connection to her family. Born January 25^th, 1949, to her loving parents Ermelinda Rosa Lecoq Godinho and Jose Valez Godinho, in Portalegre Alentejo, Portugal. Growing up from the age of 9 months old in Luanda, Angola, Africa until the age of 25. It was there that she met the love of her life Fernando Manuel Matos Pinto in Collegiate School. On May 13, 1972, they married and soon after would start their family of 7 beautiful children. 

After Having their first two daughters, both Florinda and Fernando fled their home in Angola, Africa due to a civil war. They would go on to have four more children between 1975 and 1981in their home country of Portugal. Later in 1981 the opportunity to immigrate to Canada presented itself and with that, they landed in Edmonton, Alberta with their children. After living in Edmonton for a short time, they moved once again to British Columbia where they would welcome their last, but not least child in Vancouver. They then settled in Oliver, British Columbia until 1995. During their time in Oliver, Florinda worked in agriculture among various other business ventures, including owning a pizza shop and thrift store, while raising her family. She enjoyed baking, making cheese, and canning vegetables. She was an excellent crafter of crochet and especially enjoyed needle point. 

Moving to Lethbridge, Alberta in 1995 Florinda would accomplish her dream of becoming a Health Care Aid through the Lethbridge Community College. She then worked at Piyami Lodge in Picture Butte, Alberta from 2001 until her retirement in 2008. Florinda cared for many community members and was a natural caregiver, with deep connections to those she cared for. 

By 2020 Florinda and Fernando officially moved to their new home in Rockyford, Alberta to be closer to their now, adult children and grandchildren. Being apart of the most important days such as graduations, weddings, new babies, and holidays. 

Florinda was an extraordinary woman; she had a quiet courage and gentle nature. We will miss her smile, her beautiful soulful singing voice, and especially her food. Our mother was our home. 

Florinda is predeceased by her parents, Ermelinda Rosa Lecoq Godinho and Jose Velez Godinho. Sisters; Rita Godinho Bastos and Luiza Godinho Proença. Brother; Jose Godinho. Her In-laws; Maria Irene Pinto and Jose Pereira Pinto. 

Left to grieve her loss, her loving Husband Fernando Manuel Matos Pinto, after 50 years of Marriage. Her Loving Children; Paula (Brand) Beekman, Ana (Peter) Velthuis, Silvia Pinto (Scott), Pedro (Lisa) Pinto, Fernando Pinto (Heidi), Sara Pinto (Travis), and Miriam (Mohammad) Aoude Pinto. As well as her 17 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren, extended family, and many foster grandchildren, she loved us all deeply. 

Also leaving behind her siblings in Portugal; Palmira (Ondino) Rodrigues, Maria Jose (Joao) Igreja, Antonio Godinho, and Maria Fatima as well as her brother-in-law Jose (Teresa) Pinto and sister-in-law, Irene (Manuel) Alves

We would like to thank the Strathmore Hospital staff, Dr. O’Brien, Dr. Sader, the Sagewood Lodge Staff, Bam, Home Care, The Adult Day Program and those who have continued to help and care for her over the years.

In lieu of flowers, on behalf of our family, we kindly ask to consider making a donation to the Calgary Zoo, in remembrance of our beautiful Florinda, who had a strong love for animals, and especially her favourite ‘macacas’ (monkeys).
https://websales.calgaryzoo.com/buy/donations/?_gl=1*10mlnv2*_ga*MTMxOTIyMzc0MS4xNjkyMjU4ODc2*_ga_EW9Y5DH1GB*MTY5MjI1ODg3Ni4xLjAuMTY5MjI1ODg3Ni42MC4wLjA

Or a donation to the Strathmore and District Health Services: Adult Day Program.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Rockyford, at 11:00 am.