Agnese Maria Campagnaro

October 17, 1946 – September 27, 2014

With profound sadness and an acute sense of loss, the Campagnaro family sadly announces the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.

Maria is predeceased by her father Angelo, mother Santina, and brother-in-laws Rodolfo, and Antonio (Anna) from Italy. Maria is survived and will be sadly missed by her husband Guido of 49 years, two children Mauro & Sabrina, grandchildren Roma & Lucca, brothers Gianni (Emma) & Albino (Vera), Sister Dina, many nieces and nephews in Italy, and her extended family in Canada.

Maria was 18 years old when she came to Canada from her home town of Rosa, Italy accompanied by her mother-in-law & father-in-law. She came to Canada to marry the love of her life Guido Campagnaro. Together they had two beautiful children Mauro & Sabrina. At the beginning of her life in Canada, Maria had a tough time to integrate into this society. With her determination and dedication, she had the courage to overcome the obstacles she faced. The language barrier was the main hurtle, however, she knew that if she put her mind into learning English, she would have a better life in this, according to her, “strange country.”

Maria had many accomplishments in her life. When she was 12 years old, she worked at a ceramic factory in Italy. After learning the English language from a private teacher, she got the courage to go to school. In 1987, she graduated from the Fine Arts Program at Cariboo College in Kamloops, BC. She also volunteered at the Kamloops Art Gallery; however, her main job was at the Kamloops Museum & Archives. She worked as a Museum Attendant for 15 years until her health caused her to retire in 2000. She also taught art for young children at the museum and at St. Ann’s Academy for grade eight children.

Prayers will be recited on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 7:00 pm and the Funeral Mass, presided by Father Fred Weisbeck will follow the next day, Monday, October 6, 2014 at 10:30 am at Holy Family Parish, 2797 Sunset Drive, Kamloops.

The family wishes to acknowledge and express their immense gratitude for the medical care and close attention she received by the interdisciplinary team at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC and for the cardiology unit. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in memory of Maria will be very much appreciated.