January 3, 1954 - April 11, 2024
In Loving memory of Maria (May) Jesus Garcia Pelaez who, at the age of 70, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday April 11th, 2024, at the Stratford General Hospital. Cherished daughter of Ricardo and Maria (both predeceased), May was the second oldest of 5 children (Jose, Macu, Juanjo, and Almudena). Loving mother to Nerea and Lucas Borja and mother-in-law to Paul, Kirsi, and Shawn. May was adored by her 3 grandchildren Shia, Noelle, and Xavi; they were her greatest joy.
May was born on January 3rd, 1954, in Cartegena Murcia, Spain. The daughter of a military Colonel, May spent time across Spain and Morocco, and studied in London, England in early adulthood. In 1988, May immigrated with her 2 children to Harare Zimbabwe. There, she successfully launched her fashion label “Tango Image”. May operated her own showroom and factory and hosted several large fashion shows that saw her line sold in major department stores including Eatons. Always seeking a better life for her children, the family immigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1994 due to rising civil unrest in Zimbabwe.
May, who was an avid equestrian, loved nature and animals. She owned horses and dogs throughout her adulthood, including her beloved dog Gusi. While living in Zimbabwe, she visited the Hwange national wildlife park several times, and even canoed down the Zambezi River amongst the hippos, crocodiles, and elephants – a feat not for the faint of heart.
May loved nothing more than spending time with her family, her forever friends, and watching her grandchildren grow. She will be remembered most for her strength, sense of humour, creativity, adventurous spirit, passion, resilience, spirituality, invaluable advice, and love.
May’s family would like to thank her close friends, paramedics, nurses, doctors, PSWs, and the community members that helped and supported her over the last 8 years with her battle against COPD.
Respecting May’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 20th, 2024. In lieu of donations, you can honour May’s memory by spending time with the ones you love.
Arrangements entrusted to W.G Young Funeral Home
