Obituary of Fernanda Dos Santos Lopes (Evans)

Fernanda Dos Santos Lopes (Evans) was born on May 14, 1948 in a small village in Northern Portugal known as Vargas located in the region of Tras Os Montes. Fernanda was the daughter of late Maria Barriera and Joao Lopes. Fernanda and her siblings immigrated to Canada in the 1960’s and lived the rest of her life in Chatham, Ontario. Shortly after she married Fredrick Charles Evans and became a dedicated and loving mother to Thomas James (T.J) Evans, and Alicia Lynn Maria Evans. She was a compassionate and caring grandmother to Carter, Brian, Anaya, Ataliah, Peyton, Paxton, and Preston. Cherished sister of Albino, Maria, and predeceased Antonio, Manuel, and Fernando. Mother-in-law to Angounh (Don) Phothitay, sister-in-law of Adelaida, Hernan, and Arminda, and a beautiful aunt to George, Linda, Paul, Roy, and predeceased Carlos. 

How can we accurately sum up the impact our mother had on our life in such a short paragraph when an explanation of her life was beyond what words could ever describe. Honouring our mother is a gift, it holds more value than life could ever support. Our mother was beautiful, compassionate, supportive, kind, spunky, adorable, powerful, brave, and the most forgiving soul. She displayed unconditional love through every decision her children made even if they were mistakes. She worked hard to support us, and even when she made mistakes, she managed to make those mistakes disappear. She supported her children throughout many challenging moments and even during her own struggles she appreciated when extended family and friends continued supporting her, her children, and even our father. Our mother was the true definition of forgiveness. That was a personality trait of hers that we hold dear to our hearts.  She adored her mother, and her chihuahuas, and they were the topic of many conversations. Every choice she made was for her children and grandchildren. Her laugh and her smile was contagious, and she had a pistol of a personality that was untouchable. Fernanda often had quiet responses and those responses have now become lessons that myself and my brother now understand. We are extremely proud to call her “Mom,” “Grandma,” “Aunt,” “Sister,” and “Friend.” We will never forget and we cherish every moment we spent with her throughout her life. Fernanda was known as the “neighbourhood mom,” and she would always welcome our childhood friends in our home continuously exemplifying unconditional love. We thank her for teaching us the value of loyalty and love. 

Mom, you were the best gift that God could have ever given us and your grand children. I know that you were and are still proud of us. And, although you are not here, we can still hear your voice say “I LOVE YOU.” This is the hardest goodbye of our life. 

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you."

Isaiah 66:13

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Proverbs 31:25

Fernanda passed away on February 24, 2024 at the age of 75 surrounded by her most cherished treasures, her children, grandchildren, son-in-law, and her chihuahuas at her daughters home in Windsor, Ontario and had the opportunity to say goodbye to her extended relatives after a long battle of Liver Failure.

Friends and relatives may visit at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) from 11 AM on Friday March 1, 2024 until the time of funeral service in the chapel at 1 PM.  Cremation will follow.  Donations to the Canadian Liver Foundation would be appreciated.