Nelia Maria Bourassa

Nelia Maria (Raposo) Bourassa, 60, born in Sao Miguel, Azores (Portugal), passed away in Walla Walla on October 15th, 2012, after fighting cancer for nearly 5 years. Her husband, Gregory Bourassa, held her hand when she left this world to be with God. By her side was her son, Brendan, her sister, Helena Raposo and her brother-in-law, John Corcelli.

Born in the Azores on July 6, 1952 to Pedro & Maria Andre Raposo, she lived in Brazil, Canada, England and the United States.

Nelia was a creative and spirited person who loved to travel. She sang professionally for 15 years that included a tour across Canada. Nelia was a passionate cook with a keen interest in nutrition, making healthy dishes that nourished us while delighting our palettes. She was also a generous person with her time. She volunteered for churches and charities over the years.

She faced this final passage with peace, dignity and a readiness to meet her Lord.

Nelia is survived by her mother Maria Andre Raposo; sister, Helena; brothers, Luis and Peter; and son, Brendan, all of Toronto, Canada; by her husband, Gregory, of Walla Walla, WA; and by her nephew-son James Raposo of Peterborough, Ontario. She delighted in her extended family with many loving nieces, nephews and a host of friends in Walla Walla and Canada. She was preceded in death by her father, Pedro Raposo.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 19, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Rosary will be on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 7:00 PM with Father Tyler Smedley also at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the KHSS Catholic Radio through the funeral home.