Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. Three years ago, on April 24, Luzia Ribeiro passed away at the young age of 84. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family and those who loved her.
Mrs. Ribeiro, like most immigrants, came to Canada for a better life, to achieve the Canadian dream. In May of 1960, Mrs. Ribeiro made the hard journey from Terceira-Açores, Portugal, arriving first in Sutton, Quebec before making her way to Ontario where she married Juoa Ribeiro and raised five children, Maria, Lucy, Julie, Anna and John.
Mrs. Ribeiro embodied the spirit of Canada. It was said that it was not uncommon that friends, family, acquaintances and others would land at Pearson International Airport with the telephone number and address of the Ribeiro house, looking for assistance. Like many new Canadians who arrive here, Mrs. Ribeiro understood the challenges and hardships they faced when coming to a new country seeking a better life.
Mrs. Ribeiro represents a true immigrant story. Let the House honour and celebrate her memory.