Maria Cantafio

After a lengthy illness Maria Cantafio passed away peacefully at Vancouver General Hospital on November 20, 2009. Maria was born on June 16, 1939 in Amato, Italy. She immigrated to Canada in 1956 and settled in Vancouver. Maria was employed by the University of British Columbia and retired in 2004 after 37 years of service. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Domenico, in 1990, Baby Thomas Lorenz in 1960, her sister, and her mother and father. Left to cherish her memory are; her daughter Esterina (Nicola); son Pierino; grandson Nicholas; granddaughter Lucia (Andrew); great grand children Allegra and Sienna; brother Luigi (Antonietta); numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Australia, Italy and South America. Maria was a devoted wife and mother and a woman of courage and strength. Prayers will be offered Sunday November 29, 2009 at 4pm from Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, 525 Slocan St, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday November 30 at 10am. Entombment at Ocean View Burial Park. Pallbearers will be Frank Cantafio, Raffaele Marrello, Alfredo Marrello, Enrico Morabito, Peter Cantafio and Michael Cantafio. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the doctors and nurses at Vancouver General Hospital who made this difficult time more comfortable for all involved. The family is also grateful to the home support staff at the Greater Vancouver Community Services, the community nurses and staff at Raven Song Community Health Centre for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish to honour Maria's memory, donations may be made to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation or The Red Cross. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.bellburnaby.com

God saw you getting tired

When a cure was not to be,

So he closed His arms around you

And whispered, 'Come to Me'.