Assunta (Leone) Perri

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Assunta Perri, who was born on September 14, 1934, in Luzzi, Italy, and passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, in Kamloops B.C. at the age of 91.

Assunta was predeceased by her parents Filomena and Angelo Leone; her beloved husband Ottavio Perri and her brothers Emilio and Enrico Leone. She leaves behind her loving children Silvana (Joe) Pagnotta and Frank Perri (Monique); her cherished grandchildren Teresa (Nelson), Michael (Kathryn), Marco (Linda), and Brittani; and her adored great-grandchildren Anthea, Mateo, Eliana, Enea, Mila, Luca, and Trustyn. She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers Silvio (Raffaela), Guerino (Ada), Giulio (Ornella), Gino along with sisters-in-law Anna and Rosa and many nieces and nephews whom she deeply adored.

Assunta was the only daughter among seven children. On March 10, 1956, she married the love of her life, Ottavio. While Ottavio worked in Germany, Assunta devoted herself to raising their children. Eventually, they immigrated to Canada in August 1965 following her brothers who had settled here earlier, beginning a new chapter filled with courage, determination, and hope.

While learning a new language, Assunta soon found employment at the Coast Canadian Inn, where she worked until her retirement. She formed many lasting friendships through her work and within the community and took great pride in earning recognition for her cooking, an honour that reflected her incredible talent in the kitchen.

After retirement, Assunta and Ottavio built their dream home in Sahali, which quickly became a new gathering place filled with love, laughter, and connection for family and friends.

Assunta lived a life of service to those she loved most — her family. She deeply loved each and every one of us. Joyful, full of spirit, and with boundless energy, she delighted in engaging with her grandchildren, no matter her age.

She was passionate about sharing her Italian culture through stories, her remarkable cooking, and by teaching others her language. A woman of strong faith, Assunta loved life and shared that love with grace to everyone she met. Even strangers were embraced with her genuine warmth, appreciation, and unmistakable spirit, which was always expressed through her big, beautiful smile.

Thank you to Dr. Sigalet and to the devoted staff at Pine Grove Care Centre, where Assunta enjoyed making new friendships with residents and bonding with staff who gave her love, support and dignity. She became everyone’s “Nonna.”

Assunta will be forever remembered for her kindness, devotion, faith, and the love she so generously gave. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, January 8th at 5:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral (255 Nicola Street, Kamloops). A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 9th at 11:00 a.m., with entombment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service.