Giuseppina Giardino

Feb 17, 1933 – Jan 22, 2025

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved mother and Mamma Peppa, Giuseppina Giardino (Falcone), surrounded by the love of her family at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, B.C. on January 22, 2025. At 91, nearly 92 years young, she was our energizer bunny. We believed she would live forever, and while we enjoyed many wonderful years with her, her passing feels too soon.

Born on February 17, 1933, in the small town of Grimaldi, Cosenza, Italy, to loving parents Carmela Rizzo and Aurelio Falcone, she was the fourth born child and sister to Maria, Aurora, Francesca, and Pasquale. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is fondly remembered by her daughters, Gilda (Vincenzo), Rose-A (Tony); grandchildren, Ryan (Marina), Domenique (Cody), Jamie (Chris), and Anthony (Juliette); and three great-granddaughters, Isabella, Valentina, and Isla. She was thrilled to be welcoming her first great-grandson, Anthony, who arrived days after her passing. She also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Fondly known as Pina or Mamma Peppa, she was a social butterfly and a radiant woman whose love for life was as vibrant as the colors of her sewing kit. Her hands were never idle and she always remained active. Whether she was busy cooking a meal, tending to the garden, driving to her favorite shops, enjoying neighborhood walks, planning annual trips to Mexico, or attending movies or live shows, she was always up for an adventure. She embraced the joys of Canadian culture, with a love for camping at Cultus Lake and an unwavering passion for hockey, attending and watching countless Canucks games.

She was the coolest mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and everyone’s Mamma Peppa, devoting her life completely to her family. She lived life to the fullest, laughed until she cried, loved unconditionally, and had a unique way of making each person feel special. As the matriarch and heartbeat of our family, she was a captivating storyteller, making anyone listening feel as if they were living the experience alongside her. Her gift for storytelling reflected her joy for reading Italian novels and her ability to make others feel the beauty and depth of life’s most cherished moments. She leaves behind many incredible stories of family history, which we will continue to share with future generations.

Her legacy is not just in the things she did, but in the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the way she made everyone feel seen and valued.

Mom, Mamma Peppa, we wish we could hear you tell one more story, get one last piece of advice, and feel your warm embrace one final time. Until we meet again, we know you will be watching over us and protecting us all from heaven, as you always did in life. We will “missy” you and “lovey” you so “muchy,” forever.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful doctors and their teams who have supported Mamma Peppa in her later years. A special thank you to Dr. Ravi Bari, her compassionate Family Physician who has been a pillar of strength and support. Your knowledge and dedication made a world of a difference in her life, and we are so grateful for all you have done to advocate for her best care. To Dr. Hamed Nazzari, her Cardiologist whose expertise and commitment to her heart health gave us all a sense of security and peace; thank you for your gentle approach and for going above and beyond until the end. To Dr. Katherine Ng, her Hematologist, your thoughtful approach helped make her feel valued and cared for, boosting her energy levels with every intervention. Our family thanks you all and will forever carry your compassion and care in our hearts.

Prayers will be offered at 7:00pm on Monday, February 3rd, 2025 at St. Jude’s Parish, 3078 Renfrew St. Vancouver B.C, V5M 3K6, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. Entombment to follow at Ocean View Burial Park - Abbey Mausoleum, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made in Mamma Peppa’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation: Heart and Stroke Foundation

Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at www.legacystreaming.com/dignity-burnaby/