Maria Giuseppa Salaris

Maria Giuseppa Salaris (“Pina”), beloved mother of Antonella Salaris and Maria Luisa Freeman, and loving Nonna to her cherished grandsons Luca and Alessandro, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, in Vancouver, after a courageous battle with cancer. She is also lovingly remembered by her sons-in-law, Jean-Marc Freeman and Steve Forsyth, her sister, Concetta DiGirolamo and brother Antonio DiGirolamo, niece and nephew, Maria and Roberto.

Pina will be remembered for the depth of her love and the strength of her spirit. She was fiercely loving and devoted to her family, always placing their needs above her own and surrounding them with unwavering care, warmth, and protection. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness.

She had a lifelong passion for the art of cooking, which began in her early twenties and became one of the many ways she expressed her love. Through her creativity in the kitchen and her generous heart, she brought people together and created lasting memories around the table.

Later in life, after the passing of her husband, Pietro, her vegetable garden became her summer sanctuary - a place of pride and quiet joy, where she spent long hours well into the age of 91 and graciously shared her knowledge with neighbours and passersby.

Her kindness, compassion, and quiet strength touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Pina gave freely of herself, always with an open heart, and leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion that will continue to live on in her family and friends.

She will be deeply and forever missed.

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Funeral Service

A funeral service for Pina will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Ocean View Funeral Home – Chapel, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC.

Entombment

A committal service will follow on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ocean View Burial Park – South Mausoleum, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC.

Reception

A reception will be held following the committal on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Ocean View Funeral Home – Reception Room, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC.

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In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Pina to continue her support of the Union Gospel Mission (Vancouver) or Operation Smile. Donations may be made directly to these organizations in her name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OceanViewFuneral.com for the family.