Maria Lourdes “Vavo” Da Costa, 75, of Azores, Portugal, passed away peacefully January 17th, 2023, at the hospital surrounded by her family after a long battle with Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). 

Maria was born in 1947 in Azores, Portugal to parents of Portuguese descent, Maria Piedade Sociedade, and Antero Da Costa Sociedade. She grew up there with her two brothers, Antero Sociedade, and Joe Sociedade; and three sisters, Maria Jesus Sociedade, Aduarda Madeira, and Rosetta Santtes.  Maria came to Vancouver, Canada in 1968 with her mom, dad, brothers, and sisters and later settled in Maple Ridge on a farm with her children and husband at the time, Joao Maria Da Costa (1969-1989).

Maria was a compassionate, honest woman, with strong moral principles and was a devoted Mother, Wife, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She always looked forward to visits from her grandchildren and inspired them with her gentle touch, caring spirit, and positive outlook on life. Maria loved and cared for anyone as if they were her own. She always put others ahead of herself and loved to give someone a helping hand.   

Maria enjoyed the little things in life like cooking, traveling, styling her hair,  having her nails done, and wearing bright beautiful colors. Maria always loved to cook. From something sweet to savory she always had food ready to eat. Whether it be her delicious pasta, or chili, or chicken noodle soup on a cold winter day everyone was always ready to eat at Vavo’s. She loved to travel and during her time she visited The tropical islands of The Caribbean, a cruise to Alaska , Disneyland, California, and Las Vegas with her Husband, Peter Smolko (1990 - 2023), daughter, Anita, and grandchildren, Tamara and Vanessa. Occasionally you could also find Maria having a great time at the Casino playing slot machines. Maria also spent time at her beloved campsite at The Glenn Of Maple Falls, often accompanied by her Husband, Peter, and 2 grandchildren, Tamara and Vanessa. During her stays she would spend her time visiting friends and family, enjoying walks and bike rides, and her favorite, playing Canasta. 

She survived by her loving husband, Peter; children, Anita Da Costa and Jennifer Da Costa; brothers, Antero, and Joe; sisters, Maria, Aduarda, and Rosetta; grandchildren, Tamara Porter, Vanessa Porter, Jaedyn  Woodward, and Amelia Woodward, great grandchild, Gabriella Mariana Manuel as well as her beloved friends and extended family. 

Family and friends are welcome to attend the following events at St. Patrick's Church, 22561 121 Ave, Maple Ridge, BC: 

• February 1st 2023 @ 7:00 PM - Prayers & Viewing
• February 2nd 2023 @ 10:30 AM - Viewing & Funeral Mass