It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Nonna, Tia and Friend, Filomena Colangelo.
Mom was deeply loved by family and friends and will be remembered for the warmth, kindness, and joy she brought into the lives of everyone around her. She had an incredible gift for making people feel welcome and at home. Her kitchen was often the heart of the gathering, where her amazing cooking brought people together and every meal was made with love.
Mom was born to Alfredo and Pasqua (Catenaccio) DeLucrezia on December 18, 1939 in Vinchiaturo, Italy. In 1951, at the age of 12, she moved to Argentina with her parents and younger brother, Antonio. There, she began a new chapter of her life, building memories, friendships, and a life that would shape the woman she became.
At the age of 15, she met and fell head over heels for the love of her life, Benito. She often said that she was mesmerized by his blue eyes and blonde curls. Just 3 months shy of her 19th birthday, on September 6, 1958, they married. Mom and Dad welcomed their firstborn, Elena in 1959, John in 1960 and Silvana in 1969.
In 1973, with a family of her own, she embarked on another great journey, moving to Canada and beginning yet another chapter in her life. With courage, love, and determination, she built a home and a life for her family in a new country.
She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and had a remarkable way of making everyone around her feel welcome. Her home was always a place where people could gather, share stories, laughter, and, of course, wonderful food. She was an amazing cook, and preparing meals for the people she loved was one of the ways she expressed her love and generosity.
Whether it was a family gathering, a holiday, or simply an ordinary day, she had a special ability to turn a meal into a celebration and make everyone feel like they belonged.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Benito; daughter, Elena; Brothers-In-Law Mario, Dino and Manfredo. She is survived by her children John and Silvana (Mike), Son-In-Law, Salvatore; grandchildren, Giuseppe (Natasha) and Giovanna; Benito (Pina), Menina and their mother, Maria; Angelo (Bianca) and Santana; great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy, Marco and Mattia, as well as her brother, Antonio (Rosa); Sisters-In-Law, Berta, Rosaria and Celia along with numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends across Canada, the USA, Argentina and Italy.
She leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with love, family, friendship, laughter, and countless shared meals. Her kindness, warmth, and generous spirit will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave and the memories she created will live on through her family and all those who loved her.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family would like to thank all of Mom’s medical team and the amazing staff at Lion’s Gate Hospital for the exceptional care she received.
Visitation will be held at First Memorial Funeral Service, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7J2J1, CA, on October 6, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A Prayer Service will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 2025 Napier St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2N8, CA, on October 6, 2026, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 2025 Napier St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2N8, CA, on October 7, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Committal Service at Ocean View Burial Park, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC, V5J1A4, CA, on October 7, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. A Reception will follow at First Memorial Funeral Service, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7J2J1, CA, on October 7, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
