CATALINA MATIAS

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CATALINA MATIAS

As we gather today, February 9, 2024 on the 40th day since my mom's passing. I'm deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in honouring my beloved mother, Catalina V. Matias. Your presence, kindness and thoughtfulness at the funeral brought great comfort to my father, Angel, my wife Melody Hanslip and I.

It's an honour to share that the United States Congress, through Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, recognized my mother's life in a Congressional Record. Additionally, we received a heartfelt letter of sympathy from the former U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader, Congressman Steny Hoyer.

These tributes beautifully reflect my mother's extraordinary spirit and her impact on our community. For over 25 years together with her husband Angel, they ran Angelina Lodge. Throughout the years they housed and cared for hundreds of society's most vulnerable in their group homes. Lina and Angel consistently showed kindness, compassion and gave their tenants a sense of belonging that most tenants would come to refer to them as Momma Lina and Poppa Angel.

The support in these difficult times has been a beacon of light. Thank you for your love and for celebrating my mother's life with us.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Michelle Matias

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2024, Feb 09, 2024