elevated UqEQa August 17, 1938  ~ July 5, 2024

elevated UqEQa Visitation
Friday, July 19, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6

elevated UqEQa Funeral Mass
Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6

elevated UqEQa Click here to view the Mass

elevated UqEQa Cremation
To be held in private

elevated UqEQa Reception
Following Mass

elevated UqEQa Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Alina Melania Aguiar, a devoted sister, loving aunt, dedicated teacher, and cherished friend, on July 5, 2024 at the age of 85. Alina was born on August 17, 1938, in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa to Francisco and Delphina Aguiar. She grew up with a passion for learning and a natural inclination to help others. After graduating from St Joseph’s convent school in Dar Es Salaam, she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher and completed her teacher’s training in Nairobi, Kenya. It is because of Alina leading the way here that our family are proud Canadians. After arriving in Canada, Alina continued her studies at University of Toronto and York University, earning her degree in Education.

elevated UqEQa For over 35 years, Alina made a lasting impact as an elementary school teacher, teaching many grades and subjects, including English as a Second Language, and finally ending her career as a Kindergarten teacher. Her dedication to her students earned her the admiration and respect of colleagues, parents, and students alike. She believed in the potential of every child and worked tirelessly to inspire a love of learning in each of her students. She was a tough teacher but underneath that exterior she cared so deeply about the students she taught. She will especially be missed by her sister and best friend, Greta. They may have lived separately, but they spent every waking minute together. They had a unique and special bond that only a few were lucky enough to experience in a lifetime. Although Alina never married or had children of her own, she found immense joy and fulfillment in her role as an aunt. She was like a second mother to her nieces, Vanessa, Emily, and Glynis and treated her grand-nieces and nephews, Jasmine, Jaden, Ava and Liam like her own grandchildren. Alina spent countless hours with them, sharing her love of reading, taking them to the park and playing with them. She has left an indelible impact on them and they will greatly miss her presence in their lives.

elevated UqEQa Alina was an active member in her community and church organizations and participated in several seniors clubs, enjoying her weekly activities of playing bridge, truque and bingo. Her generous spirit and kind heart touched the lives of many. Alina is survived by her sister Greta, her brother Liberto (Daphne), her beloved nieces and nephew Vanessa (Paul), Emily, Glynis (Shannon), Natasha (Sean) and Ryan, her cherished “grandchildren” Jasmine, Jaden, Ava and Liam, and many dear friends and colleagues. She is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Delphina, and her brother-in-law Soco.

elevated UqEQa A special thank you to all the staff at Chartwell Oak Ridges Retirement Residence for making Alina’s last few months as enjoyable as possible and to Hill House Hospice in Richmond Hill for providing such wonderful, supportive care to Alina and her family in the last few days. In lieu of flowers and in loving memory of Alina, the family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Hill House Hospice. 

elevated UqEQa Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home. A celebration of Alina’s life will be held on Saturday, July 20th at 10:30am at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 211 Langstaff Rd E, Thornhill, ON L3T 3Z2, with a reception to follow. 

elevated UqEQa Alina’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her family and students will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and education will live on in the many lives she touched.

elevated UqEQa