It is with great sadness that we advise of the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved Maria on January 15, 2013 at the age of 85. Maria was born on February 16, 1927 in Sao Miguel, in Portugal and moved to Canada in 1959, first living in Yale BC and eventually settling down in Hope BC with her family. Maria is predeceased by her husband, Manuel Soares and is survived by her brother Caesar (Fatima), sisters Maria (Alfredo) & Sarafina (Artur), her sons Caesar, Carl (Cathy) & Danny (Bev), grandsons Darryl (Lina), Kristopher, Jordan (Janice) & Douglas (Liz), granddaughters LeAnne (Owen) & Selena (Jordan), great granddaughter Andrea, and numerous nieces and nephews. Vigil Rites (Prayers) were held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 671 Water Avenue, Hope, BC, with Father Gordon Cook, celebrant. Burial and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Hope RCMP Victim Assistance Program. The Soares family would like to extend a special thank you to the Staff at the Fraser Canyon Hospital, Hope RCMP, FVTS, the Catholic Church, the CWL, Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels and to all of our friends for their support and compassion during this time. Maria loved to be outside and in her garden. She was well known for her beautiful flowers, especially her rose bushes and fresh garlic. Maria was a social butterfly and will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.