Obituary of Preciosa Maria Oliveira Santareno
In Loving Memory of Preciosa Maria Oliveira Santareno
April 8, 1939 – May 31, 2026
Preciosa Maria was born in a small town in Portugal, the fourth of nine children of the late Rosa and José. From an early age, she carried a deep faith, a creative spirit, and a determination that shaped her remarkable life.
She earned a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Coimbra in 1964 while raising two young children—an early reflection of the resilience and strength she would show throughout her life.
As once the wife of a military General, Preciosa lived across five continents, raising her family in India, Portugal, and Mozambique. She spoke multiple languages and embraced people and cultures with curiosity and warmth.
After immigrating to Canada in 1970 with three young children, she rebuilt her life from the ground up when her credentials were not recognized. Through perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit, she worked as a cleaner, owned and ran food businesses, became a realtor, and ultimately owned and operated a retirement home, where she cared for others with compassion, dedication and treated them as her extended family.
A woman of deep faith, Preciosa lived by her belief that “successful people find a way, others find excuses.” She remained active, joyful, and committed to serving others throughout her life, never retiring from what she saw as her purpose.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother (Vovó), and great-grandmother (Bisavó), who found immense joy in family, storytelling, music, gardening, and bringing people together. She was fiercely proud of her Portuguese roots while cherishing the life she built in Canada.
Preciosa is predeceased by her son Paul (Susan) and lovingly remembered by her children Maggie (Pat), Belinda (Rob), and Astrid (Gino), her grandchildren ~ Liz (Juan), Joseph (Destiny), Elyse (Lisette), Gaby, Kathryn (Steph), Austin (Aza), Mackenzie, Ally and great-grandchildren~ Brooks, Francesca, Sawyer, Skyler, and her extended family.
She is now reunited with her beloved son Paul and her infant twin daughter Betinha.
Preciosa will be remembered for her unwavering faith, strength, generosity, love of music, fashion, people and her refusal to let life’s obstacles define her. She lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of resilience, grace, and inspiration.
To honour and respect the Village of Humber Heights and Mom’s Village of Alderwood in lieu of flowers, our family would invite you to make a donation in memory of Preciosa Maria Santareno to:
The Wilfred Schlegel Hope Fund (WSHF) via Canada Helps:
Donation Link for Wilfred Schlegel Hope Fund
or mail cheques to the Wilfred Schlegel Hope Fund 201-325 Max Becker Drive, Kitchener ON N2E 4H5.
Our deepest gratitude to Mom’s Alderwood Village, including the Recreation, Nursing, Medical, Interdisciplinary Care team and Administration team member members; including Shawn (Mom’s boss), Joanne, Abby, Sharon, Biplop, Edel, Sylwia (NP), Dr. Veetil, Cindy and so many more nurses, PSWs, food and hospitality friends who came to know our Mother! You will always be in our hearts and as Preciosa shared openly with her villagers and the team – She loved you!!!
Burial details:
Private Family burial
Monday June 8, 2026
Glenwood Cemetery, Picton, Ontario
Preciosa’s Celebration of Life
Friday, June 19th, 2026
Prayers and Remarks - 4:00 PM
Refreshments 4:30 - 7:00 PM
The Village of Humber Heights
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rpcm3NouPWAh3zZZ6
2245 Lawrence Ave W, Etobicoke, ON M9P 3W3
http://www.schlegelvillages.com/humber-heights-etobicoke
Kindly wear white or brights :) She wouldn’t want us in black.
***please note parking may be limited and close by neighbourhood parking is accessible***
Please share a memory, photo or sentiment of Preciosa's life here at her memorial web page.
Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
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