Ilda Ana Desouza Dias
25th March 1935 – 17th May 2026
The family of Ilda Dias is saddened to announce her passing at the age of 91.
Beloved wife of the late Romeo Dias, Ilda was a loving mother to Ramona and Antonio, and affectionate mother-in-law to Felix Miranda.
She was the treasured daughter of the late Jerome Genovevo (JG) DeSouza and the late Maria Divina DeSouza, and the cherished sister of Vera (late Bonnie D’Souza), Lira (late Neri D’Mello), Primo (late Fausta), and Bernard.
Ilda was born in Nairobi, Kenya, where her father worked for the British government and her mother cared devotedly for their family and their many pets. Encouraged by a perceptive nun who recognized her gifts, Ilda pursued teacher’s college—much to her father’s initial dismay—beginning what would become a lifelong vocation in education.
She dedicated nearly 24 years to the Catholic Parochial School in Nairobi, where she eventually served as Deputy Headmistress. Her passion for teaching continued across several other schools, including helping to establish a kindergarten. Among her many accomplishments, she was most proud of her time at St. Mary’s School in Nairobi, where she prepared her Standard 3 students to receive their First Holy Communion.
Ilda met Romeo at a New Year’s Eve dance at the Goan Institute. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in April 1969 and soon welcomed their two children, Ramona and Antonio.
In 2001, Ilda and Romeo moved to the United Kingdom to be closer to their son during their retirement. Ever eager to learn, Ilda embraced technology, enrolling both herself and Romeo in computer courses for seniors. She became proficient in Word, Excel, and email, delighting in maintaining close contact with family and friends through messages and texts.
In 2007, Ilda lost her central vision—a profound loss that deprived her of many everyday joys she cherished, including walks with Romeo, watching her favourite shows, taking photographs, and communicating digitally. Despite this, her resilience and spirit never wavered.
After Romeo’s passing in 2013, Ilda drew strength from her deep faith, living a peaceful and prayerful life for over twelve more years with gratitude and grace.
Ilda will be remembered not only as a devoted teacher but also for her patience, kindness, and enduring friendship. Her strong faith guided her life, enabling her to love deeply, endure hardship, forgive freely, and offer comfort to others. She was a source of prayer, compassion, and unwavering support to all who knew and loved her.
Ilda’s wish at her passing was:
“Do not mourn for me; I am at peace with the Lord.”
Funeral and Service Details
Viewing:
11th, 12th, and 15th June, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
343 Lower Addiscombe Road, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 6RG
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, 16th June, 2026 at 10:00 AM
St. Mary’s Church, Our Lady of Reparation, 70 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR0 2AR
Church Parking notice: Please register your vehicles at the side entrance of the church
Mass livestream link: https://www.mcn.live/Camera/st-marys-catholic-church-our-lady-of-reparation-croydon
Crematorium service:
Tuesday, 16th June, 2026 at 12:15 PM
West Chapel, Croydon Crematorium, Mitcham Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 3AT
Livestream link: https://watch.obitus.com
Username: mimo6213 | Password: 530608
Tribute page: https://ildadias.muchloved.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal National Institute of Blind People
Condolences to:
Ramona Miranda
rmiranda0459@hotmail.com
+1 4168826081
Antonio Dias
antonio1509@hotmail.com
+44 7789540033
