Annunziata "Tina" Di Fonzo

Tina’s earthly “viaggio” began on March 25, 1928, in the town of Fondi in Latina, Italy, the youngest of nine children born to Arcangelo & Loreta De Bonis. At the age of 22, she wed John Di Fonzo in November 1950, who became her husband of 69 years. Without a word of English, her next brave voyage was aboard a trans-Atlantic ship to Halifax, then by rail to Vancouver in July 1951, carrying her first unborn child (Mary) to meet her new family & build her life in Canada. In the following years, her mother, two brothers (Tommaso & Vincenzo) & a sister (Carmina) followed suit.

Tina epitomized strength in every way. She was a productive, hardworking woman devoted to raising her 5 children with John. In her early fifties, Tina also began working at the Vancouver Lawn & Tennis Club where she befriended many coworkers. At age 65, she retired only to begin taking care of her new grandson (Graham) the following year.

Tina felt most at home in the garden, much like her upbringing in Italy where growing tomatoes was second nature. Her green thumb produced bountiful vegetables & figs, which she proudly shared with friends & family. Tina was also a stellar chef, to say the least. She loved cooking & baking Italian specialties for all to savour: Pizza. Pizzelle. Pizza frites. Crab sugo with linguine. Her famous meatballs. Easter bread. Crostoli. Ceccini. Is your mouth watering yet? Christmas turkey dinner was always the highlight of the year, & her greatest joy was having the family together for the ensuing feast & frivolity.

Tina was a devoted mother & Nonna to all her surviving children: Mary (Ken), Gerry, Anita (“Kelly”/Don), Dino (Flavia), & Lisa; and grandchildren Graham & Sabrina. She was predeceased by her husband John in 2020, & by all her siblings in years past. Tina’s selfless nature, beautiful smile, & endless generosity endeared her to everyone she knew. The candles we now light in Tina’s wake pale in comparison to the sunbeam she truly was.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, 555 Slocan St. Vancouver on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 1:00 PM. Private family entombment.