Maria Elsa Luison

Our dear Mamma and Nonna, Maria “Elsa” Luison, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the age of 91 in her care home in Kamloops.

She is survived by her sons, Walter (Kristine) and Rino (Lise); her grandchildren Dylan (Melissa), Tessa, and Brooklyn; and her great-granddaughter, Avery Maria.

Maria was predeceased by her parents and siblings, her son Eugenio, and her husband, Tranquillo.

Maria was born in Bessica di Loria, Italy, on April 9, 1935, and was the youngest of five children. She had a happy childhood and was very close to her family. Throughout her life, Maria retained the resilience, strong work ethic, commitment to family, and dedication to her faith that she learned growing up in Italy.

At the age of 21, Maria bravely journeyed to Canada by ship, leaving behind her family and home in Italy to marry Tranquillo (“Kilo”) Luison in December 1956. They settled in Louis Creek, where they lived for the next 38 years and worked hard to build a lovely home and small farm on the hill, of which they were very happy and proud. Maria was a devoted wife and incredible homemaker, and she was overjoyed when her boys were born. She was also a wonderful mother - a proud mamma who always gave her love, care, and support. Maria was often seen at their ball games with her ball cap on, cheering (and sometimes yelling at the umpires), totally enjoying the games! Over the years in Louis Creek, she built many strong friendships and bonds with her neighbours, community families, and Kamloops Italian families. She was especially close to her sister-in-law, Elsa Luison, whose family spent much time together with hers.

In 1994, Kilo passed away, and Maria moved from the farm into Kamloops, where she lived until her passing. Her life changed, but it was happily filled with her three grandchildren. They were her joy, and she was the most amazing Nonna.

Maria was fun, spirited, and humorous. She loved to joke, laugh, and visit with friends and family. She was a great cook and enjoyed feeding people. She was always saying, “mangia, mangia” (“eat, eat”)! Her cooking and hospitality were renowned. Maria was also talented in crocheting, sewing, and embroidering. She enjoyed gardening - growing and harvesting fruit and vegetables to sustain her family while living on the farm. She also loved sports and was always watching her Toronto Blue Jays and Vancouver Canucks.

Maria’s caring and loving nature, kindness, strong will, confidence, and courage will never be forgotten and will continue to live on through future generations and in the hearts of her family and friends.

Maria’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the third-floor care aides and nurses at Gemstone Care Centre, who became Mom’s extended family and provided wonderful care for her over the last four years.

Funeral Mass for Maria will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Entombment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.