It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lira Rose de Mello on May 19, 2025, at the age of 79.
Born in Zanzibar in 1945, Lira was the youngest of six siblings, granting her the lifelong nickname of Babe. As a young woman, she courageously left Zanzibar alone in a small boat to start a new life in Dar es Salaam. There, she worked at the Palm Beach Hotel and immersed herself in the Goan community. There, she met and married the love of her life, Julius de Mello, and in 1974, they left Tanzania and started a new life in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
They settled in Beddington Heights and raised their three children, Jacqueline, Jason and James. Lira and Julius were early members of the Goan Association of Calgary and, over the last 40 years, attended numerous functions, events and dances, along with their children and four grandchildren. In 1981, she began her over three-decade career with the Hudson Bay Company. She took great pride in her work and was loved and respected by her coworkers. Lira achieved countless customer accolades at the Deerfoot and Sunridge locations.
Lira had an indelible smile and took great pride in her children and grandchildren, spoiling them at every opportunity. She enjoyed attending many of their dance recitals and sports events. Lira was a remarkable cook who experimented with new dishes in the kitchen. Everyone loved her special ham at Christmas, and when she wasn’t preparing something delicious, you would find her cheering on her favourite hockey team, the Calgary Flames.
She loved music, especially 50’s and 60’s rock n’ roll, and would be out on the dance floor.
She was caring and welcoming and always carried a positive, contagious energy.
Lira is predeceased by her parents, Piedad and Archangela, sisters Rufine (Eustace), Marie (Peter), and Angela (Robert) and brothers Joseph and Robert.
Lira is survived her husband of 52 years, Julius, daughter Jacqueline (Patrick), and sons Jason (Katie) and James (Lindsey), grandchildren Gabriella, Sophia, Addison and Avery.
A special thank-you to the staff at the Willingham wing in Cambridge Manor who cared for Lira over the last 3 years.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s foundation.