Obituary of Rosa Adelaide Tavares

Tavares, Rosa Adelaide (nee deFreitas)

Passed away at Peterborough Regional Health Centre on March 10th, 2026.

Beloved wife to the late Antonio Tavares. Dear mother to Tony Tavares (Shane Hodge) and the late Rosa Donnelly. Beloved grandmother to Brooklyn and Nathan Donnelly.  Like a mother to her long-time friend and caregiver Stanley Bower. Rosa is survived by her sister Maria Humberta. Rosa is predeceased by her parents Afonso and Rosa deFreitas and siblings Jose and Afonso. 

Rosa was born on the beautiful island of Pico in the Azores. She completed her training as a teacher but rather than pursue her career she immigrated to Canada to marry the love of her life, Antonio Tavares. Initially settling in Prince George, British Columbia, the couple later returned to the Azores for six years to allow their children to learn their native tongue and culture. Upon returning to Canada they settled in Toronto. The greatest joy of her life was helping raise her grandchildren, Nathan and Brooklyn.

Rosa was a skilled sewer, crocheter and embroiderer, and nothing brought her more pleasure than making delicious feasts of “food from the old country” for family and friends. She loved animals and was never without a dog. Her latest companion, Daisy, made out like a bandit in the treat department!

Rosa also found great strength in her Roman Catholic faith. She will be most remembered for her unending love and commitment to her family.

Friends and family will be received at THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, NORWOOD CHAPEL, 36 Queen Street, on Wednesday March 18th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. A funeral mass will follow at St. Paul’s R.C. Church, Norwood, at 12:00 PM.

Following the funeral mass, friends and family are invited to the Hendren Funeral Home for a reception. Interment to follow in the spring at St. Paul’s R.C. Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the St. Paul’s R.C. Church, Norwood and may be made by contacting the funeral home at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-639-5322.