Maria Teresa Gilbert

July 21, 1952 – November 5th, 2019

In loving memory of Maria Teresa Gilbert. Our loving and beautiful mother passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband, Dave Gilbert, on Tuesday November 5th 2019 after a 20 year battle with cancer. She was born in the small town of Mendicino Italy, and immigrated to Canada with her parents, Lina and Guiseppe De Cicco and brothers, Alfonso and Ralph De Cicco in 1964. A businesswoman and entrepreneur, she paved the way for the fitness industry first with European Health Spa, and later Fitness World. In 1982, she met the love of her life and dream maker, David Gilbert. Their love story was never meant to be a classic, Dave from a small town in Winnipeg with the boyish good looks but wise beyond his years, and Maria from an even smaller town of Mendicino, with the class and elegance of someone well beyond her years. But the couple needed no rules, and wrote their own love story.

Maria loved being a mother, and she loved fiercely. Taking photographs of her family and friends, and lining the walls with picture frames brought her unconcealable joy to stare upon memories past. She glowed anytime her children and grandchildren were around, and treasured each moment with them.

Maria may not be with us physically, but her soul and legacy are with us forever. She had a zest for life unlike any other, she could light up a room just by walking in and command an audience with one word or smile. She was a beautiful person inside and out. We love you and miss you, Mama Gilbert.

Maria now joins her father, Guiseppe, in heaven. She is survived by her husband, Dave, 3 children (her “eggs” as she liked to call them), Marialena, DJ, and Bianca, mother, Lina, son-in-law Stephane, grandchildren Beckham, Bella, Codi and Taylor, brothers Ralph and Alfonso, and great grandchild Cali. Heaven has gained an angel with mama’s passing.

Friends and family are invited to attend Prayers Ceremony, 7pm Monday, November 18th 2019, Funeral Service, 12:30pm Tuesday, November 19th 2019 at Holy Cross Parish 1450 Delta Avenue, Burnaby, and Celebration of Life 3pm, Tuesday November 19th 2019 at JOEY, 1899 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby.