Erminia Fata Bruno

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Erminia Bruno, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

       She was the daughter of Gaetano & Rosa Fata and stepdaughter to Francesco Fata. She was born July 31, 1930 in Grimaldi, Cosenz, Italy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Erminia was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Erminia was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Erminia was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Erminia also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Erminia was raised with three siblings and four step siblings. She had three sisters Eugenia, Marietta and Teresa and step brothers Carmine and Gaetano and step sisters Elena and Lucia. Erminia was constantly involved in activities with her family. Erminia and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Erminia. Erminia and Vittorio were married on June 28, 1952 in Grimaldi, Italy. It was as if Erminia naturally sensed Vittorios needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Erminia disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times. Erminia was someone who always put her family first in everything. In their first years of marriage, she would raise her children alone while Vittorio went off to work in Germany a couple of times every year.

They purchased their first home in Canada located at 553 Nielson St. Sault Ste. Marie, which was close to Vittorio's brother.

The second home that was purchased was located at 101 Knox Ave. as more room was required to take care of her mother in law and was close to Vittorio's siblings.

      Erminia was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Erminia was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Erminia was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Erminia was blessed with three children, one son Pietro and two daughters Emma and Rosina. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Lisa and Steven Facchini, Justin Carter and Daniel and Andrew Duoba.

      If you gave Erminia a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Erminia was always on task. Without hesitation, Erminia could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation in Italy was to give medical needles to pierce ears. In Sault Ste. Marie Erminia worked at Superior Jet Carwash, was a baker at Bluebird Bakery, was a cook and kitchen helper at Minelli's Restaurant and she also was a Homemaker and helped take care of her grandchildren and her mother in law. During that time, Erminia excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Erminia was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Erminia had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Erminia liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Erminia's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Erminia preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening. Erminia was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Erminia. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and Our Lady of Good Counsel.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Erminia had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that she was the trip planner. She would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included travelling to Italy in 1975 and 1992, British Colombia in 1989, Traverse City for fruit especially cherries and also Thunder Bay.

       She also raised rabits and pigeons. Erminia was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

      Erminia passed away on March 28, 2011 at Extendicare Tendercare Nursing Home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Brain tumour and alzheimers disease. She is survived by her children and grandchildren.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Erminia was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Erminia was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Erminia Bruno was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Erminia. She will be missed.

BRUNO, Erminia (Fata) – Peacefully passed away surrounded by her family at the Extendicare Tendercare Nursing Home on Monday, March 28, 2011 at the age of 80 years. Devoted wife of Vittorio for 59 years. Daughter of the late Gaetano and the late Rosa Fata and her step-father the late Francesco Fata. Cherished mother of Emma, Peter and Rosa Duoba (Dennis). Loving Nonna of Steven Facchini, Lisa Facchini, Justin Carter, Daniel Duoba and Andrew Duoba. Sister of Eugenia Bruno (Paulo), Teresa Bruno (Alfredo), Elena Bruno (Paulo) and Lucia Bruno (Francesco) all of British Columbia, Carmine Fata (Teresa), Gaetano Fata (Gilda) and the late Marietta Pucci (Emilio) all of Italy. Loving aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Friday, April 1, 2011 from 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church at 10 am. Father Michael Williams officiating. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society or to the Our Lady of Good Counsel Poor Box would be greatly appreciated by the family. A special thank you to Extendicare Tendercare for the last days of her life and also to Dr. Maione (her family Doctor) and to Irma at the Community Care Access Centre, the staff at We Care and Vicky at the Alzheimer Society for all your care and compassion. You will never be forgotten and we thank you for being one of God’s greatest blessings in our lives. Love you forever and we will miss you.

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BRUNO, Erminia (Fata) – Peacefully passed away surrounded by her family at the Extendicare Tendercare Nursing Home on Monday, March 28, 2011 at the age of 80 years. Devoted wife of Vittorio for 59 years. Daughter of the late Gaetano and the late Rosa Fata and her step-father the late Francesco Fata. Cherished mother of Emma, Peter and Rosa Duoba (Dennis). Loving Nonna of Steven Facchini, Lisa Facchini, Justin Carter, Daniel Duoba and Andrew Duoba. Sister of Eugenia Bruno (Paulo), Teresa Bruno (Alfredo), Elena Bruno (Paulo) and Lucia Bruno (Francesco) all of British Columbia, Carmine Fata (Teresa), Gaetano Fata (Gilda) and the late Marietta Pucci (Emilio) all of Italy. Loving aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Friday, April 1, 2011 from 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church at 10 am. Father Michael Williams officiating. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society or to the Our Lady of Good Counsel Poor Box would be greatly appreciated by the family. A special thank you to Extendicare Tendercare for the last days of her life and also to Dr. Maione (her family Doctor) and to Irma at the Community Care Access Centre, the staff at We Care and Vicky at the Alzheimer Society for all your care and compassion. You will never be forgotten and we thank you for being one of God’s greatest blessings in our lives. Love you forever and we will miss you.