We Remember
CORREIA, Fatima – Update: Service Added
July 14, 1957 — May 22, 2024
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 1:30 pm, at the Central Okanagan First United Church: 721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC.
The service will be followed by a light lunch and an opportunity to share stories about Fatima.
Fatima Correia passed away peacefully in Kelowna, BC, with her family by her side. She was 66.
Fatima’s rich life journey began in her birthplace of Vila Fernando, Portugal, and continued in the southern Okanagan, where she was raised from infancy. A lifelong learner, she pursued academic studies at UBC and the University of Guelph, culminating in a PhD in counselling psychology from the University of Toronto in 2008. After many years of study and travel, including a two-year adventure in Europe, she settled in Kelowna, BC, where she met her great love and future wife, Ruth Wilson.
An early feminist and peace activist, Fatima was a staunch advocate for social justice, eventually focusing her professional career on helping and counselling women with eating disorders. Outside of work, when she was not curled up with a book, Fatima enjoyed being in nature and kept active by walking, cycling, kayaking, and swimming.
Fatima cherished her friends and family above all else. Over the decades, she established lasting relationships in all the places she lived and worked, nurturing these bonds with great care, love, and laughter. She embraced her roles as “Titi” and “Goddess mother” to the children of friends, siblings, and cousins. Fatima valued her family deeply and took every opportunity to arrange gatherings and organize events, always involving food.
Predeceased by her parents, Lidia and Amadeu, Fatima will always be in the hearts of her wife Ruth; her darling sisters Maria “Mimi” (Peter) and Cristina (Pete); and her beloved nieces and nephew Chloe, Molly, and Max. Her exuberance, compassion and generosity, contagious laugh and broad smile, and playful mischievous nature will be deeply missed by her previous partner Mary, and dear friends and family, related and chosen.
The family is grateful for the care of Dr. Deliyannides, Dr. Ellard, Dr. Ho and Dr. Wiesenthal and the compassionate and knowledgeable staff at the BC Cancer Centre, KGH, and Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to charities meaningful to Fatima or one of your choice.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
We will miss Fatima. Ruth, you know we are always here for you ❤️
Ken & Keith
We are so deeply sorry for your loss Ruth. What a wonderfully beautiful lady Fatima was. A special soul in every way. Jo,Duff and Devon
Ruth; my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Doug Bicknell
Condolences to Ruth and all the family. Fatima will be missed. We were fortunate to visit with her at our last school reunion,
SOSS Class of 1975
A beautiful soul.
My deepest condolences to Fatima’s family and friends. She was a great high school physics study buddy. Our wedding photos were taken in her family’s beautiful yard. Wonderful memories.
Dear Ruth (Fatima’s beloved ‘rock’), Mimi, Peter, Cristina, Pete, Max, Chloe, Molly and all of Fatima’s family- my heart goes out to all of you! We have lost our beloved Fatima but she lives on in the memories of all of you and in all her dear friends… Sending much love xo Marina
I am remembering my irrepressible Guelph housemate. I’m so glad that Fatima built the kind of community where Mary can be there to support Ruth. Take care of each other during the coming months.
My condolences to Ruth and the Family/Friends of Fatima. She was such a gift in our lives. Her smiles and laughter and love of Chocolate. Her spirit remains with us forever.
I will miss Fatima, Ruth anything you need I am here for you.
You will be forever a spark of lightness in my life. You are missed. Thank you for blessing the lives of everyone you met.
Whenever we crossed paths, I always felt clearly the love between you both. You are a couple who were meant to find and be with each other and I’m happy you both had that. Please take care, Ruth. Love, Lise
Dear Ruth and family- Our deepest condolences. Fatima and I met in Grade 2 and that began a lifelong friendship. There are so many memories to keep her alive in our hearts. She was an amazing woman and we treasure our time together. We will miss her. Love, Irene & John
So saddened by this news. I am a childhood friend of Fatima and Sandy. Have fond memories of all our exploits. Will cherish the memories, I can see Fatima charming everyone she meets with those gorgeous blue eyes,
beautiful smile and fabulous laugh…..
My condolences to all her family and loved ones – she will be missed.
Fatima was gifted at friendship. She invested deeply in all her relationships, much to our benefit. I miss her so much. My deepest condolences to Ruth and family.
Fatima was such a beautiful soul. I’m happy her life was full of so many blessings. We send love and prayers to her wife, sisters and all her family and friends. 💕
It’s with deep sadness that we heard about Fatima‘s passing. Have memories of being in the orchard and learning how to swim in the pool. Thoughts are with the family.
Fatima was always wearing a beautiful smile. I’m saddened to hear of her loss. Hugs to her family.
We are so sorry for your loss Ruth. Fatima was a beautiful person – inside & out!
Bob & Lynda McGowan
Our sincerest sympathy to Ruth and Family. Fatima will be sorely missed by all! Fatima was a shining light to all who knew her.
Dear Ruth and the extended Correia family, my thoughts are with you all as we adjust to Fatima’s passing. She was a trusted older “sister’ to me for 43 years. I hold her in my heart forever. Ruth, remember that I’m here to listen and support in any way I can.
May her journey be swift and sweet and without fear. May she arrive where her heart most wanted to be. May all that was brave, joyful, and wise in her now be of benefit to all beings. Blessings KGK
I am saddened to her about Fatima’s passing. My condolences to her family and friends.
I am so sorry for your loss. Fatima was such a wonderful person. Every time I saw her, she had the biggest smile. She has been a part of my family for a long time. My mother used to babysit Fatima. This heartbreak will last, but you can take solace in the wonderful contributions that Fatima made to her family, friends, and work. She will be sorely missed.
So very sorry to hear of your loss Ruth. Big hugs to you!
Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. We wish we could be close by to bring you comfort and hugs. We miss you Christina, Sandy and family. ❤️🙏
What a gift to have been loved by Fatima! She leaves a really large gap in the world, and also she leaves her love though her impact upon all of us. She was a wonderful friend, a gifted therapist, a treasured colleague.
My condolences to all your family
I am very sad to learn of Fatima’s passing. she was kind, vibrant and a passionate woman. I spent many special moments with her at UBC and have such fond memories of her warmth. We kept in touch over the years and I will always remember her in my heart. Condolences and blessings to Ruth and family. With Love Alice and Norine