Obituary of Elizabeth De Abreu

The world has lost a beautiful soul: Elizabeth Catherine Orford De Abreu passed away peacefully on April 8, 2023 after a challenging year. Mom’s kindness and grace never waivered, however, and we are left in awe of her strength and spirit. 

Elizabeth was born on March 2, 1941 in Toronto, ON to Dr. Thomas and Mena (McLauchlin) Orford. She grew up adored by her three sisters, Priscilla, Rossi, and Judi. Mom met Michael I. De Abreu, DDS in an Edmonton dental chair. They married June 16, 1962 and moved to Killam, AB where dad set up his dental practice. Three children followed and mom grew into her own as an extraordinary mother and, later, as an exceptional grandma and great-grandma.

Liz loved her family, her many friends, - human and four-legged - Teenburgers, thriller novels, and her over 40 years of volunteering in her church and in her community. 

Liz leaves behind a legacy of love: her husband, Mike; her children and their families - Michelle (Mark), Kelsi (Ahmad) and Marcel, Pascale, and Claudia; Renée (Brett), Alix, and Tyler; Michael (Lisa), Melanie, Colette, and Leanne - her sister, Rossi, and brother-in-law, Ray; and numerous extended family members.

She was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Mena Orford; sisters, Priscilla and Judi; brothers-in-law, Frank and Dave; nephew, Tom; and parents-in-law, Frank and Wilhelmena De Abreu. 

Our family is grateful for the excellent and compassionate care mom received from Dr. Rami and his colleagues, staff at Killam and Daysland Health Centres, and the teams of Health Care Aides and Home Care and Palliative Care Nurses who cared for mom at Providence Place in Daysland.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Killam at 11:30 am on Saturday, April 29, followed by a luncheon and memorial tribute to Liz. The family will then gather for a private burial in Killam Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Killam Health Care Foundation (Long Term Care or Meals on Wheels).