Desiree Paiva

My memories of Deso go back to the days she lived with her Mum and Dad , Jeremy ,Christine and Andrea at Alexandra Road. Her welcoming smile and cheerful disposition made us feel always "at home." Our family visits to each others homes for Christmas or the New Year makes me recall many pleasant thoughts.
Though the distance grew wider as she moved overseas, many a time she kept in touch with us..especially with my mum. All these thoughts will be treasured of my cousin Deso.
Our heartfelt condolences to Edmund, Devin ,Devinka and every member of the family at this time of sorrow. May you experience God's stillness and comfort. Though Deso is no more her memories will live on and give you the courage to move forward.
May her soul Rest in Peace.
MAJELLA & IGNATIUS MIRANDA

I will always remember that wonderful smile of welcome that Desiree greeted me with when I walked into to begin my day at Catholic Charities and her boundless kindness. She will always have a place close to my heart. Thank You, Desi!

Dearest Aunty Deso,
I'm lost for words. Thank you for always being a positive role model in my life. I will forever hold a space in my heart for you. Uncle, Devin and Devinka and family, the funeral service was so beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Till we meet again Aunty Deso 🙏

Our Heartfelt Sympathies to Edmund, Devin, Devinka and the rest of the family.
May Deso's beautiful soul rest in Peace 🙏
Della & Cammi

Desiree was an amazing lady who graced any gathering with her calm demeanour, infectious laughter, and words of wisdom. What we admired the most was that she had such a genuine personality filled with selfless love for others. Her passion to cook delicious meals and entertain friends that always ended up with a great session of dancing proved what a joyous person she was. Desiree, though we couldn’t keep constant contact with each other, since you and Edmund moved to Vancouver, you were always in our hearts and prayers, because you were truly an amazing friend! May you rest in peace Desiree!

Edmund, Devin, Rachael, Devinka and Moses please accept our heartfelt condolences. Though we cannot be present in person at this difficult time in your lives, our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Our deepest condolences to Edmund, Devin/Rachel, Devinka/family and extended family.
We feel we have known you longer as our paths crossed only very recently. Our wishes were to meet your family this summer. We are so happy we got to connect over the latest means of communication.
May you rest in the arms of our Lord in eternal peace. We will meet again 🕊️

Tribute To my Loving & Dearest Sister - Desiree Paiva also known by all as "Deso" but to the family she was known as "Akka" (means older sister in Sri Lanka) xoxo

Akka was the eldest from a family of four siblings and she always played the role of "Big Sister" very seriously.   "Family " was everything to her and would always try her best to keep the family close & connected.
It's still hard to believe that she is no more with us and it seems like a dream to me and everything seems a blur....

I always considered myself so lucky to have been blessed with a wonderful,  caring & loving "Sister" like her. She  has always been & will be 'Special' no doubt ❤️  Although our age gap was 14 years and me being the youngest the bond we shared was so precious and she was always there for me....actually she was a "pillar "  to me.  Whenever I needed guidance, advice, support  she was always there for me like a spring ....offering her loving assistance as usual. Our times together was special....we've grown together & journeyed along through trials, laughter & tears.  I am certainly going to miss our lovely chats ....talking for hours about anything  & everything. The way she would listen to me and how she would always cheer me up. Even the last few weeks she was so cheerful & positive and talking to her gave me so much  strength. She never complained about anything ... whatever challenges she faced in life she accepted bravely & carried on.  Akka was a very friendly,  loving & generous person and had a way of connecting with people and leaving a warm, lasting impression in the many lives she touched.

In 1992 after Mum passed away she played a bigger role for me as Mum / Sister and the bond between us though miles apart became more closer ❤️

Although we were miles apart she made it a point and kept her family connected with me ....so I never missed out on anything and everything in detail would be explained to me....so I was able to see her children  growing up and thereafter even the Grandchildren....she made sure that  I was never left out .  "Family" played a very important role for her ....so not only for me and my other siblings as sister but she was also a loving wife & a wonderful mother/ mother-in-law to the children & an adored Nana to the Grandchildren. Akka was also blessed to have Edmund as a wonderful husband & who has been a loving Brother-in-law for us.  What really amazed me was how Both of them always kept their beautiful home open for anyone & everyone on any day and any time entertaining and sharing their warm hospitality with unconditional love. 

So the memories I made with my Dearest Sister will never fade ....deep in my heart she'll always be treasured ❤️
I know she is now with Mum & Dad  & our dearly departed loved ones....an "Angel"  in Heaven in the arms of Jesus free of all pain & she will continue to look down on us & shower her blessings upon us no doubt  ....
Moving on is going to be a struggle for me and it will never be the same ....
I will miss my Dearest Sister & she knows I always will.
As always my motto that I shared with her over the years :
Side by side or miles apart....Sisters will always be connected at heart ! ❤️

Farewell my loving, beautiful Mum/ Sister & Best Friend ...until we meet again on that beautiful shore ❤️🌹
I love you my Dearest Akka !❤️
Your loving Sis always - Andrea xoxoxo

Rest in Peace dearest Deso ❤️
You were such a warm and loving person. The beautiful memories we have of you will live with us forever.
Our love and heartfelt sympathies to all the family members. May God console them during this time of grief.
Bonnie, Colette and Dilo

Our deepest sympathies to Edmund, Devin and Devinka on the passing of Deso.

We remember her as a very caring and hospitable person, famously known for her hoppers!

The Lord has a prime spot for her in HIS kingdom for Eternity.

May she Rest in Peace.

Celebration of life of our loving Cousin Deso

Every once in a lifetime their comes a person who touches everyone she encounters in many different ways. Her love ❤️ for life will continue to inspire us and give us strength . Every time we find joy in the little things, every time we face a challenge with courage, we’ll know that Deso is still with us, urging us to live as fully as she did."she showed us that givers are the happiest people in life.

Death of a loved one is always hard on the family and everyone who encountered her but knowing Deso and for what she lived for we have to carry on her legacy of living life to the fullest

"Her laughter, her infectious energy, and the way she approached everything with passion and excitement will be missed more than words can say. But what she leaves behind is a reminder: that life is for living, and we should embrace it fully, as she did."

Deso was a genius,a walking google search engine and an encyclopedia and knew the answers to any question that anyone threw at her at any given moment.Her energy was people and she was a social butterfly .Her memory was as sharp as a razor blade and would remember and wish everyone on their birthday’s anniversaries and any special occasion.
We will never forget the way her face lit up when someone would asks her about our ancestors our family tree and how we are connected to someone .She loved organizing get togethers at her home and would cook up a storm of scrumptious Sri Lankan delicacies to your hearts desire.Her house was always open 24/7 to everyone and anyone and she always made sure to make everyone feel important.Deso made a big deal of every small occasion . it was the way she talked about it, with such enthusiasm and wonder, as if every single moment was a gift. She had this ability to find magic in the simplest of things.


"Her zest for life wasn’t just something she kept to herself—it was something she shared with everyone she encountered. She had a way of making you see the world through her eyes, reminding you to appreciate the little things, to take risks, and to embrace every opportunity with open arms. She taught us all to live more fully, to love more deeply, and to savor every moment."

"Even when life wasn’t easy, Deso found a way to keep going, to keep laughing, and to keep loving. She believed that no challenge was too great to face with a positive outlook. And that optimism wasn’t just a mindset—it was a way of life for her. It inspired all of us to look for the good in every situation, to see the silver lining even in the toughest of times.

Her Biggest Assets and her lifelines were her faith in god almighty , her immediate Family especially her grandchildren Maiya and Sofia and her sisters and brother and all her Friends who gave her the strength ,energy and support till her final hours

We will miss you but you will live in our hearts forever

May your beautiful soul rest in peace
Mario, Thushanie, Joey and Stephan

We are sorry to hear the sad news of Deso passing on.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
We have fond memories of time spent together at Alexandra Road and our home in Pamankade.
May her soul rest in peace!
And may God comfort all those near and dear to her during this difficult time.
Nirmala and Stani Rayen

Desiree and Edmund were close friends of our family. While they lived in Toronto we would Meet close to the beginning of December for Edmund's birthday and Christmas. Also we did bowling together and most of all the dancing classes which was fun. Before they left for British Columbia we had a get together with close friends and this was a sad time, however we would keep in touch by text, email or phone. Desiree was a considerate loving person and will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace and God grant her eternal rest.

We have known Deso for a long time and have many lovely memories obubbly, f our friendship. It was so nice to meet her and Edmund when I visited Canada. She was her usual self; warm, cheerful and hospitable.
Our hearts go out to all the family; Edmund, Devin, Devinka, Jeremy, Christine, Andrea and grandkids. We are so sorry for your loss.
May the happy memories you all shared bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Goodbye dear Deso, may you find eternal peace with the Lord and may God grant all her family strength to bear their irreparable loss.
Joppa & Cossie

Deso was a childhood friend of mine in our neighbourhood as much as her brother Jeremy.
When news of her illness reached me through Jeremy it was very saddening and concerning.
Had a long chat with her when she was moved to Langley Hospice Residence and she was very courageously mentioned that she has placed her fate in the hands of God and the this place is only doing their best to make her comfortable as possible
Deso has always been a humble and trustworthy friend and our group friends in Alexandra Rd in Wellawatte have fond memories of our youthful days of our good old days together.
Deso shall be missed a lot - May her soul rest in peace and God grant Paiva the children and family members the strength to bear this loss of a loving person from their lives.

With deepest sympathies from
Sadakath Nizar

I first met Desiree a week before her wedding to Edmund. I
was struck then by her beauty, grace and serenity.
Over the following forty two years I have probably been in Desiree's presence for a total of 10 weeks, during my visits to Sri Lanka and Canada, but during that time I have had a close connection and love for mv sister- in- law.
Desiree's thoughts have always been for others, never herself. Valiant, courageous, with incredible wisdom and compassion, her love for her family and everyone she met was total and
everyone that she touched loved her back.
Desiree's story of fighting against the odds ni adversity to protect her family is awe inspiring. Clambering over garden fences, ni her work sari, as she battled ot return to her family while chaos and violence reigned around her. Her bravery, leaving her homeland and emigrating to Canada with two
smal children. Her tenacity and intelligence finding employment and becoming invaluable at work and in church. Lupus tried to strike her down, but Desireestudied and adapted her life to meet the challenge. Her strength, born form her love fo her family and in her belief, kept Desiree with us. Sadly ti took a Global Pandemic combined with cancer to take Desiree from us too soon, she gave her love until her last
breath.
My love and admiration for Desiree will remain forever. Farewell, for now, to my Fellow in Arms.
Julia Paiva

It is indeed very hard to accept that our beloved Deso is not in our midst any more. Thinking of the numerous loved ones she left behind, I can only pray that God gives them and all of us, the strength and courage to carry on, as Deso herself would have wanted. She was so brave and positive until the very end.

Thank you dear Deso for all the love, fun, and laughter, since we were children. Wont ever forget your generous hospitality and care , and jolly times in Canada. May you reap a bountiful harvest for all you did to make the world a better place for all whose lives you touched. Good bye dear Deso, you will never be forgotten.

Praying that Edmund, Devin, Devinka, Jeremy, Christine, Andrea, the little ones , in laws, and all her extended family will find consolation with the lovely memories and feel her presence caring for them always.

I can still hear your cheerful voice. Deso was in Pallative care but still her conversations with us was so warm, bubbly and spiritual. Your courage and faith amazed me. We met you after over 40 years and you had not changed much and we were fortunate to meet Edmund too. It was such a beautiful reunion which will be treasured. I thought our regular chats will go on during our retirement but God had other plans for you and a special place in His kingdom. Thinking of you dear Edmund, Devin, Devinka , Jeremy and, Christine , Andrea all the members of your dear family. May God give you all the strength during this challenging time.She is safe in the arms of Jesus and resting peacefully. Belinda & Max Gomez

Dear Edmond and family:

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Desiree. Although we worked in different offices in the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Toronto we would frequently see each other at daily mass and in the staff lunch room. She was always so cheerful and had a wonderful smile. I remember when she announced she was retiring and moving to B. C. to be with her children. I was so happy she had some time with them and grandchildren. Not long enough though. Keeping Desiree in my prayers as well as you and your family during this difficult time. May Desiree enjoy the eternal banquet. Love and prayers. Cathy McCarroll

Dear Edmond and family
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on passing away of your lovely cheerful wife (mom).
May her soul rest in peace!
Mala Fernando

In loving memory of Desiree, so dear to our hearts, whose presence brought light, kindness, and warmth to everyone around. She was truly wonderful—full of love, laughter, and compassion—and we will forever cherish the memories we shared. Though shes no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the love we carry and the lives she touched so deeply.

Yoga & Sujama🙏💐

I am sorry to learn of Desiree's passing. I worked with her when she was with Catholic Charities in Toronto -- she was always very welcoming and friendly!

My sympathies to her family at this time.

Arthur Peters Executive Director, ShareLife.

Dear Edmund, Devin and Devinka,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of your dear wife, mother and our very old friend Desiree. Having lost my own wife to cancer when she was also quite young, I know what an emotional struggle you all must have gone through as you cared for Desiree when she was fighting the disease and what you must be going through now that she has passed. Stay strong and seek the Lord’s guidance as you journey through this difficult time. You’ll never really get over it but you will eventually come to terms with this loss.

Desiree worked for my father Chris while she was at CIC in Colombo and then moved to work with him when he retired and took up a position with the USAID funded program IESC. He was very fond of her and her ever cheerful personality as were we all who worked with her. She was fun to be with, always positive in her outlook, fiercely loyal to those she cared for and absolutely efficient in whatever she did.

I always think about her and you all Edmond, every time I pass your old house down Albert Place that you and Desiree maintained so well when you lived there. May our Lord Jesus bless and keep you and your family, and give our dear Desiree his peace.

So very sad to hear the news of the death of dear Deso. She was one of God’s angels in this world - a truly lovely person who lit up a room with her chatter and infectious laughter. I first met Deso when we both worked at CIC in 1977. We clicked from the beginning and I had the honour of having her as my bridesmaid. Our friendship has continued for almost 48 years. We constantly kept in touch although we both migrated to different parts of the world many years ago. She was a sincere friend and I am glad I had a long chat with her a month ago and also met her in Vancouver in 2018. She battled hard to beat this dreaded disease with courage and positivity. She will be missed very much by so many.
Edmund, Devin & Rachael & Devinka & family, please accept our deepest sympathies on your sad loss . May God sustain you during this difficult time and give you strength and courage to face the days ahead without her presence in your lives. Her spirit will be looking down on you all. May her dear soul rest in perfect peace.

Deso,
Going to miss you dearly Dear Friend♥️
The wonderful memories of times spent together in our youth will linger on, never to be forgotten….
Thank you Deso for your everlasting friendship and feeling blessed and grateful to have known such a unique person as you.
Your warmth, lovely smile, cheery laugh, kindness and caring ways to help anyone in need, your positive attitude towards anything and everything are to be admired beyond words can express. Even in times of struggle and pain you stayed positive and courageous with your strong faith and battled this illness to the very end.
Rest Deso in eternal peace 🙏
Farewell my friend, until we meet again…..
Roma

Edmund, Devin and Devinka, Jeremy, Christine and Andrea, I share in your deep deep grief. Everloving fond memories of Deso will remain with all of us forever.

Desiree was married to my close friend Edmund and as such became a friend of mine too. Unfortunately following his migration to Canada I did not get the chance to know Desiree as I would have liked too. However following my conversations with Edmund I got to know her has a loving and strong personality and totally committed to her family. I had the pleasure of meeting the family during one of their visits to Sri Lanka and that confirmed every thing said about Desiree. Even toward the end Edmund told me that she accepted her and faith and acted in a strong manner. today she is in the loving hands of god. Do not worry my friend I am sure Desiree will continue to guide and look after you and your family.
may her soul rest in peace and god grant her eternal rest.

A Tribute to My DARLING Aunt Deso– In Loving Memory.. ❤️

Today, we honor the life of a remarkable Lady —my Precious darling aunt Desiree—whose presence was a blessing and whose departure leaves a space no one can fill.

She was a woman of quiet strength and deep faith. In her, we saw the love of God reflected through her kindness, her selflessness, and her enduring patience. She lived not for herself, but for others—giving, guiding, and lifting us with gentle wisdom and unwavering love.

Her faith was her anchor, and in times of trouble, she always reminded us to trust in God’s plan. She prayed for us, cared for us, and taught us by example what it means to walk humbly with the Lord.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the promises of Scripture:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…" (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

We believe she has been welcomed into the arms of her Creator—at peace, surrounded by light, her soul resting in the eternal presence of God.

My darling desiree aunty , your memory will remain a guiding light in our lives. We will miss your voice, your smile, and your gentle spirit, But we trust that you are now in a place where there is no pain or sorrow—only JOY, and everlasting peace.

May your soul rest in perfect peace, and may we honor your life by living with the same love and faith you showed so beautifully my darling deso aunty we.love you beyond words...

YOGA , SHYAMA, SUJAMA AND HARIKESHA....

I remember my cousin Desiree-fondly known as Deso as a very jovial, caring, loving and generous person. Deso has been very helpful to our family and her caring and loving nature extended to all people was evident to everyone. Her generosity had no boundaries. I grew up with Deso, brother Jeremy, sisters Christine and Andrea. We had many fun times as back then there were no mobile phones. I remember going to her house down Alexandra Road, Colombo 6, Sri Lanka for the famous “Pound and Pint” parties which Deso and I recalled fondly just days before her passing. I can continue to write stories but I won’t know where to end.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to her loving and caring husband Edmund, her devoted children, daughter Devinka and Moses, son Devin and Rachael, granddaughters Maiya and Sofia not forgetting siblings Jeremy, Christine and Andrea.
May her beautiful soul Rest in Peace.
Kevin & Virgie Gomez

Deso,
Going to miss you dearly Dear Friend♥️
The wonderful memories of times spent together in our youth will linger on, never to be forgotten….
Thank you Deso for your everlasting friendship and feeling blessed and grateful to have known such a unique person as you.
Your warmth, lovely smile, cheery laugh, kindness and caring ways to help anyone in need, your positive attitude towards anything and everything are to be admired beyond words can express. Even in times of struggle and pain you stayed positive and courageous with your strong faith and battled this illness to the very end.
Rest Deso in eternal peace 🙏
Farewell my friend, until we meet again…..
Roma

Edmund, Devin and Devinka, Jeremy, Christine and Andrea, I share in your deep deep grief. Everloving fond memories of Deso will remain with all of us forever.

Dear aunty Deso..

You were such a loving and kind person.. Indeed it's very sad to accept your demise. You are now with God in heaven. You will be dearly remembered and missed by all of us!

Our deepest sympathies to dear uncle Edmund, Devin and Devinka.. May God give you all strength to face this difficult situation.

With prayers:
Geraldine, Bernadine, Melwin and Romario

Sending our heartfelt condolences and love to Edmond, Devin and Devinka. We miss Deso, the distance never stopped her from keeping in touch with her friends and family. Thank you for the beautiful memories. We gathered at your home for decades for Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. Deco you faced all challenges with grace including your sickness, now you rest in peace

We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Aunty Desiree.
We remember her very fondly as being so devoted to her family, so loving to all she knew and such a presence of Christ in this world. May Aunty rest in peace in her eternal homeland.
God bless you Uncle and family. Praying for you all. Much love, Tashmina, Clive, Isaac, Elias. 🕊️

We are so sad to hear about the passing of our beautiful Desiree.
Our consolation lies in knowing she is resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord whom she served so faithfully.
Blessings to you Edmund and the family.
In our hearts and prayers. 💐

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Desiree aunty.Your memories will live on in our hearts.May she rest in peace.May god bless you !❤️💐

Nirupa & Family

Deso was known to me from school days and in Dehiwela after marrying Edmund Paiva. Also her brother Jeremy Gomez was a good friend with my husband Roshan through their Athletics at St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya. Also later on when I joined Chemanex Ltd. She was working for IESC after leaving CIC and was PA to CIC’s former MD Mr. Chris de Saram who later was Director at IESC Sri Lanka.
She was a very active & energetic professional Secretary whom I used to meet and have interesting chats often.
She was a very bubbly & fun loving person always willing to listen & help if needed. It is sad that we lost contact after she migrated to Canada.
My deepest sympathies to the family and I pray that God comforts them during this time of grief.
May her beautiful soul Rest in eternal peace ✝️🙏

Such a wonderful loving person. Her family and all friends will feel her loss so much. Safe in the arms of Jesus

We remember our beautiful Deso for her unwavering Faith, Courage and Strength. We treasure her profound words "we will not question ? we will not ask why ? but we Trust God !
Deso left behind treasured memories for us to hold on to! Deso was known for her loving ways: especially reaching out to people, warm hospitality and heart to heart chats. You will be fondly remembered in our hearts but sadly missed.
Deso carried the cross and won the crown !!!
We love you Deso !!!

So sad , Will miss her such a loving and caring person.
May her Sour Rest in Peace.

Dear Deso will be greatly missed by all her Kith & Kin as she was such a lively and pleasant Character and a devoted wife and mum , Even though she migrated a long time ago , she always kept in touch with us in SL .We are convinced that She had come to know the LORD Personally from the Strength, Faith and positive attitude with which she faced her Challenges which is an example to us and surely the LORD JESUS will say to Her Welcome Good & Faithful Servant , Now enter into your Eternal Reward , Goodbye for now Dear Sister until we meet in his Presence on that Beautiful Shore Christo & Therese Motha

To my dearest & loving Desiree Akki,
Today, we remember you though words often fall short in times like this, we try to express the love, respect, and gratitude we feel for a life so beautifully lived.

Though you're no longer with us in body, your spirit remains—woven into the stories we tell, the lessons we carry, and the love we continue to share. You will never be forgotten!!!!

Love you so much Akki❤️💐❤️💐
Sujama.

Enjoyed our chats and laughter and will miss them.
Always Cheerful no matter what
You will forever be remembered.

May her soul Rest in Peace

Desiree will be missed by all who knew her. Her selfless love generosity and hospitality to all those who knew her will not be forgotten. It hard to say goodbye but we know dear Desiree was ready when the Lord welcomed her to his heavenly abode.

Goodbye dear Desiree and someday we shall all meet on that beautiful shore.

Loretta Fred Motha & Family

I remember Desiree as a bubbly happy school girl teenager, and adultalways up for a laugh and some fun. Warm hearted, kind and generous and a good team member. On the school playground, we were in a group called RASANADETA. Where are the Eastford in for myself and the other girls initials for the rest
Rest in peace dear Desiree we have nothing but happy memories of you