Maria Norbina Amaral

It is with great sadness that the family of Maria Norbina Amaral -- our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Friend -- announce that she passed away in the early morning of Monday, September 7, 2020, at the age of 91 at The Village of Glendale Crossing, London. Maria was born in Fenais D'Ajuda, Azores, Portugal, an only child of the late Antonio Soares and Maria da Estrela Leite. Maria immigrated to London, Ontario, Canada in 1965 with 5 small children to join her husband Joe who had immigrated 5 years earlier to set up a new home for his family. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Jose Furtado Amaral (1978); and a daughter, Rosa Maria (1960). She is survived by her 6 children: Starla Rinehart (John), Tony Amaral (Gail), Liz Serpa (Al), Celina Labow (Marc), Joe Amaral (Leanne), and Danny Amaral. She was the loving grandmother of 16 grandchildren: Brenda Lavoie, Joe Rinehart, Chris Rinehart, Curtis Rinehart, Jennifer Sauro (Rob), Sara Smith (Matt), Jason Serpa (Cathy), Michelle Bailey (Jamie), Nicole Adams (Phil), Ashley Labow (Michael), Jessica Labow, Samantha Labow, Marissa Amaral, Joey Amaral, Christian Amaral and Cody Amaral and great-grandmother of 14. She also leaves behind numerous nieces & nephews, special friends, and other relatives. A dedicated member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, her deep, abiding faith in God strengthened her throughout the many challenges in her life's journey. She was not afraid of hard work; she worked hard all of her life to provide a good life for her children. She loved her family more than anything and all she wanted was to have all her family around her as much as possible. We all have great memories of you Mom, vavo, visa avo. In lieu of flowers, donations to Diabetes Canada would be appreciated. The Funeral Service in Holy Cross Church and interment in St. Peter's Cemetery, London, will be held privately. Due to COVID A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date