Maria Rossi

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and sister, Maria Rossi on April 22, 2023, at the age of 93 years. She predeceased her husband of 60 years, Vincenzo Rossi who passed on June 20, 2015, at age 89.

Maria was a devoted mom, wife, sister and friend to all! Even people she did not know and just met would in an instant become her friend. Born in Aprigliano, Italy.  The eldest of 5 girls, Maria took care of her siblings when she was young. Life was hard as it was for many immigrates back then. Working hard to help her mom and dad as well as care for her sisters. She learnt to sew at an early age which would be her trade in life. Her father had gone ahead to Toronto, Canada in hopes to move the family there for better future and opportunities.  In 1956 Maria would take the trip across the ocean to Toronto. There she would marry a very gifted soccer player, Vincenzo who had also made the trip across the ocean as many Italians had done that year. The two would then move to Natal, B.C. where Vincenzo’s parents lived (Michel, B.C.) and start a family. Three daughters then follow, Elvira, Rosemaria and Cenzina. In 1963, they would move to Lethbridge. Maria sewed her little fingers off, becoming a professional seamstress. Doing alterations for many, making one of a kind Barbie dresses for her daughters, making outfits for herself and daughters, making one of kind costumes for productions that came through Lethbridge such the Show Boat, and then into retail. Her biggest joy and pride was her work at Imperial Fashions (Ladies clothing store) She was the alterationist and sometimes would step into sales as people valued her opinion. In her 90’s she’d still swell with pride when telling everyone she had worked at Imperial Fashions.  She had made longtime friends from the women that she worked alongside with there. The gals and Mrs. Wilson the owner would become family.

Maria loved to cook and garden. She loved being a part of many wedding and baptism showers.  She enjoyed knitting as was extremely gifted knitting many many baby blankets, sweaters and blankets for family and friends. In her earlier years she enjoyed embroidering and needle work! She also loved to read anything that she could get her hands on. Playing cards and doing puzzles would pass some time away. She also enjoyed watching all the hundreds of VHS romance movies that her sisters and others would tape and send her. She loved birds and had remarkable eyesight--- she could spot a bird so camoflouged in the surroundings it would blow your mind!

She valued friendship so much, always on the phone catching up on gossip or just a call to see how you were or say just a hello. She would remember playing the penny game or Skip Bo with her Italian pisanni. She would save ever birthday, Christmas Easter, Valentine and gift card!

She was loved and respected not only by the Italian community but as well from all in her neighborhood, sharing her baked goods, garden or conversation over a coffee.

Being a grandmother of two, Jordan and Rikki was a love and a joy especially when they were younger.  She took care of them when mom and dad were at work. Nana and Rikki would share many road trips giggles at restaurants and picking hundreds of plums from her plum trees! Jordan taking a full week off of work to spend with his nana, learning to cook all his favorite Italian dishes and her secret recipes. She made the best spaghetti sauce!

Her earlier days were of good health and then arthritis started taking over every area of her body, including the chest wall around her heart.  Her days were full of pain, increasing pain, but that still did not stop her.   Later dementia and sundown syndrome along with arthritis would make each day a huge challenge, some days unbearable yet she still carried on with life the best she good, sometimes feisty but with a positive attitude.

She holds our hearts forever. We hold hers. When one loves with their soul they are never lost.

ti ameremo sempre,

ti terremo nei nostril cuori per sempre

Riposa in pace Mom e Grazie di tutto

Her journey on this earth has come to end but her new journey has begun.  

Rest in peace. We love you so Much!

To watch the service livestream, please go to https://www.tikilive.com/channel/allsaintsparish