March 12, 1944 – March 20, 2021

Maria Contreras G. passed away peacefully with Tess by her side on March 20, 2021 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 77 years.

She was predeceased by her father, Juan de la Cruz Montecinos Contreras and her mother, Fidelina del Carmen Contreras Garrido.

Maria is lovingly remembered by her companion in life Teresita.  She also leaves behind her brother Juan Guillermo Contreras; nieces – Rocío, Maria Jose, and Teresita; and nephews – Juan Paulo, Felipe, Daniel, and David. Maria’s brother, nieces, and nephews are all from Santiago, Chile.

Maria arrived in Canada in 1981 with one year visa to study English.  Being an accomplished nurse in Chile, she intended to revalidate her diploma in Canada.  Many friends helped her to fulfill her desire to stay and have her permanent residence.

She was a responsible person in whatever she did.  Accompanied by her spirit of dedication to her duty, she worked as a respite worker, practical nurse in a nursing home and a registered nurse at the Grace General Hospital.

As a person, she was modest, quiet, with strong sense of humour and a very loyal friend.  An organized individual, she hated clutters and superfluous things.  She will be missed.

The family especially thanks the doctors and nurses of the St. Boniface Hospital.  In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to the St. Boniface Hospital and the Salvation Army.