GILDA IDA SURIANO of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Rocco Suriano, passed away peacefully, on August 19, 2011 at the age of 89 years.

Gilda was born in beautiful Grimaldi, Italy on July 28, 1922, the youngest of four children. She grew up just outside of Grimaldi in a hamlet called Vasciuta where she also received her formal schooling. She often talked about the laughter and happiness of growing up with her two older sisters and older brother. As a young woman while vacationing in Amantea, Italy, a picturesque oceanside resort, she met a handsome young man, Rocco. Six years later, they were married and made their home in Amantea. She became a faithful homemaker taking exceptional care of her husband and five children. Her constant singing and love of music brought joy to all.

Rocco established a tailoring business in Venezuela and the plan was to have the family join him. When he found there was social unrest there, they decided to immigrate to Canada to join family in Lethbridge. Since Rocco came to Canada from Venezuela, Gilda exemplified noble character and undaunted courage by bringing her five young children across the Atlantic Ocean. If that wasn't enough, she endured a train ride from Halifax to Medicine Hat in late October overcoming a five-day train ride, the language barrier, and the extreme cold weather in comparison to the Mediterranean climate. She endured all of this to give her family a better life in this new land.

Gilda was a devoted wife, mother, nonna, and friend. She was caring, affectionate and a great cook. She loved cooking for her family and friends. Her grandchildren always put a smile on her face and that smile got bigger when they could stay for one of her meals. Her passion for cooking influenced her two oldest sons to open Trevi Italian Ristorante, providing the Lethbridge community with authentic, homemade Italian cuisine. Behind the scenes, Gilda was the matriarch of the restaurant. Sometime later, Trevi Italian Ristorante was renamed Coco Pazzo Italian Café, where her recipes continue to influence the menu.

She was a devout Catholic with a special devotion to St. Anthony. Her prayers were always focused on good health to family and friends and peace in the world. The love of God shone from her face and continues as a witness to us all.

Gilda is survived by her children Antonietta (Fernando) Rose, Andy (Julie) Suriano, Frank (Maureen) Suriano, John (Irene) Suriano, Paolina Seitz (Garth Renyk); her loving grandchildren Tony (Camille) Rose, Francesca (Brent) Morris, Rocco (Marilou) Suriano, Jimmy (Danielle) Suriano from San Diego, California, Anthony (Alyssa) Suriano from San Diego, California, Jason (Jennifer) Suriano, from St. Albert, Daniela Suriano, from Edmonton, Liana Suriano (Jamie Sauve), Susan (Ben) Cruise, from Dallas, Texas, Richard (Sarah) Mann, from Austin, Texas, Jonathan Suriano, Lisa (Nathan) Tremblay from Calgary, Justin (Dalyce) Seitz from Gold Coast, Australia, three step grandchildren, Grahame Renyk, Chris Renyk (Brienne Heinen) from Grande Prairie, Jane Renyk from Calgary; great grandchildren Claire and Antonia Rose, Zachary and Alexa Morris, Giulia, Andrew and Matthew Suriano, Taylor Suriano, Ethan and Malcolm Suriano, Lauren and Rylan Cruise, Sofia Tremblay as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Beside her loving husband, Rocco, Gilda was predeceased by her parents, Giuseppe and Paolina Vercillo, two sisters, and one brother.

Gilda's words of wisdom to her children during their teen years:
1. When visiting someone's home she would always say, ""children, remember, keep two feet in one shoe.""

2. Whenever we tried to sneak out with friends, she would always catch us at the door and say, ""Un minuto, not to know your business but to regulate mine, what time are you coming home?""

The family would like to thank Dr. Billet and the staff at Edith Cavell for the excellent care provided to our mother.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at ST. BASIL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13th Street North, Lethbridge, with Father Tim Boyle, celebrant.

Interment at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4K7 or the Children's Ward at the Regional Hospital c/o the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960-19th St. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5.