Dear Mr. Natola and family.  We just heard from our fellow parents that your mother passed away a few months ago.  We know you are new to our school of St. Michael's but you have already endeared yourself to so many of our students.  It is amazing to read all the wonderful things written about your mother on this guest book.  She sounds like a really wonderful person and we are sure she is smiling down on you and all her family from heaven and listening to all the wonderful music your students make.  May God continue to give you comfort at this difficult time and grant your mother eternal peace.  We will include her in our prayers.  On behalf of the parents and students of St. Michael's School,

I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of your lovely mother. Sorry I didn't find out sooner and hope you and all the families are keeping well. All the best to you Cos & Theresa and of course the kids. My thoughts are with you.

Love Alpha & Roxane

Dina's eulogy, as delivered eloquently by friend, Giuseppina, and son-in-law, Marco...

     My name is Giuseppina Guttadauro, and Dina was my friend. In her journal, Dina writes, I was 20 years old when I came to Canada. I have been here a long time. I am happy to be here, and to be part of this beautiful community.'
     Dina Natola was born Donata Ferri on October 12, 1933, in Loseto Bari, Italy. She came to Canada in 1953, and became a Canadian citizen in 1967. The Catholic faith was a very important part of Dina's life, and Holy Cross Church was most special to her. This was her parish. Her week would not be complete until she attended Sunday mass, which she was able to do until her last few months, due to failing health. But this did not stop her from practicing her faith. She started every morning by watching the Catholic mass on television, and regularly received holy communion. 
     Dina was an active member of the Catholic Women's League. She joined the CWL in 1972, and over the years she took on many positions such as treasurer, president-elect, and so on. She also served as president of the Holy Cross CWL for two terms. Her contributions to the CWL included fundraising for numerous causes, and countless hours of charity work. 
     Dina is survived by her three children, Cosimo, Francesca and Rosa, and their spouses, Teresa, Francis and Marco, as well as nine grandchildren: Donna, Maria, Anthony, Connie, Lino, Ursula, Angela, Patrick and Dina. She is also survived by her sisters Graziella and Piera, and her brother Raffaele. Her sister Vincenza passed away in 2006. 
     Over the years I came to know Dina very well, and we were the closest of friends. She was very caring. For example, on one occasion when I was away in Italy, she called me long distance to wish me happy birthday. And she made sure to always have on hand my favourite brand of coffee and biscuits for our visits during which though we talked about many things, her favourite topic of conversation was always her husband, Lino. I could see that they were very close. Her faith and her family were the most important parts of her life.
     In her journal, she continues, on July 28, 1956, I got married to my dream man, the love of my life. We had a beautiful and happy life until his passing in 2001. God willing, one day I will see him again.'
     Dina, sarai sempre con noi, sentiremo molto la tua profonda mancanza. Ti vogliamo tanto bene.
______________________________________________

Good morning, my name is Marco Espinoza, and I am one of Dina's sons-in-law, husband of Rosa.
     In Spanish there's an expression: madre, solo hay una', which means we only have one mother. A mother's love is unique and unequaled in any other relationship a person may have in a lifetime. Well, I've been blessed. In my lifetime I have had two mothers. 
     The most important lessons that a parent can give are not taught with words, but through actions. And through her actions Dina taught all her children to be caring and loving human beings. Two words that were heard everyday in her home were nonna' and mom'. Dina had her children and grandchildren around her all the time. This does not happen by accident. Her love for her family was unwavering.
     In the words of one of her grandchildren, you are the brilliant colours of each sunrise and sunset. You are the ethereal moonlight and the brightest star in the night sky.' Dina's children and grandchildren were the world to her. She celebrated their successes as if they were her own. She listened carefully to what they had to say. She respected their individuality, and knew their moods - when they were having a good day, or when they were having a bad day. She had a way of making each of her grandchildren feel like they were her favourite. I remember one of her grandsons when he was very young asking her, Nonna, do you have any of Nonna's bread?' In the hearts and minds of her grandchildren, she was part of their very existence. 
     For Dina, her home and her family were Heaven on Earth. Unlike her husband Lino, who was a proud Canadian who loved being Italian, she was a proud Italian who adored being Canadian! This was her home. 
     Her world consisted of everyone she knew. It didn't matter if a person was thousands of miles away - she would communicate with them as if they lived across the street. It didn't matter if a person had passed away - she would visit them at the cemetery and pray for them. For those who were gone from her life, they lived on in her heart and in her mind. And for the living, her door was always open and welcoming. With her family and friends around her, Dina had her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. She didn't need anything more. 
     Another lasting memory is Nonna's garden. Although it gradually became smaller, no matter what its size, she tended to it with love, care and pride.
     She lived by a basic code: when she took on a responsibility she did it with care, commitment, and not only to the best of her abilities but until the job was done, and done well. 
     As wonderful as her identities as nonna' and mother' were, Dina was more than that; she was her own person. She loved to learn. She kept herself up to date on current events and enjoyed discussions about politics, history and geography. She enjoyed reading, doing her crossword puzzles, and was very sharp with numbers. She continuously looked for ways to do things better. When her children finished high school, she herself went to school to improve her English. When she had to write something, either to her family, or due to her community commitments, she thought carefully about how best to express her ideas. Dina accomplished much in her life, because she was a person of fierce patience and quiet perseverance. 
     Dina was full of life. Every day had purpose. From her beloved piazza in Loseto, her great adventure of coming to Canada, her interactions with family and friends, her parish - Dina embraced it all. As one of her grandchildren states, even though there were generations between us, she would always be right there with us, playing games and sharing laughs.'
     Yet, when it came to her core values about family and doing what was right and proper, she was a rock. For Dina, life was not about popularity, but about doing things right, about being good and being the better person.
     And so, to this incredible person whose actions made her ten feet tall, and who embraced wholeheartedly her roles as daughter, sister, cousin, niece, wife, mother, nonna, parishioner, citizen, and friend, what else can be said about this beautiful person, but Dina, you did an amazing job of your life - well done! You have set an incredible example for us to follow.   From your childhood in that piazza in Loseto to your home in Burnaby, you lived the fairytale. Your life from beginning to end is the stuff of great novels. God bless you.
     In the words of one of her children, you were and will continue to be the glue that keeps us all together. There will never be another like you.'

Dear Cosimo, Francesca and Rosa:

I was saddened to hear about your mother's loss.  When a mother passes on a part of us goes with her and we are left with the memories she leaves behind.  Your mother was an exceptional human being and I hope that your memories of her will help you overcome this difficult time. I have known your family for a long time and it was always a pleasure to see Dina.  To the three of you and to your families I send my most  heartfelt condolences.  May God help you accept her loss and may He comfort you.

Anna Terrana, Former President Italian Cultural Centre Society

Gone away, perhaps, yet never gone...always loved you dearly, yet never knew how much........

Dear Raffi and Diane and families, our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear sister.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Patty Murphy, Jack ODonnell and family

CARA ROSA E FAMIGLIA MI DISPIACE TANTO PER LA PERDITA DI VOSTRA MADRE VI FACCIO LE MIE CONDOGLIANCE LILIANA ANNAMARIA e famiglia.;

Dear Cosmo, Teresa, Fran and Rosa and families, our sympathy go out to you all, your mother will always be with you in your hearts, she will watch over you from another place.  Keep strong,

God Bless 
Maria, Angelo and David, The Pignatelli Family.

Carissimi Cosimo, Francesca e Rosa (e famiglie), le nostre più sentite condoglianze per la perdita della vostra meravigliosa mamma. Sarà sempre nei nostri cuori e la ricorderemo con affetto, un angelo che veglierà sempre su tutti noi. Pinuccia, Gaetano, Laura e Gloria (e famiglie)

"Ciao Dinella, il Signore ha voluto ricongiungerti a Lino ma sarai sempre nel mio cuore ricordando i giorni passati insieme, ciao". Fam. Ottoboni, Vincenza e Raffaele

Mrs. Natola, a most wonderful mother, incredibly generous, patient and full of kindness, will be close to my heart forever. Both Mr and Mrs Natola left an impression that will last my lifetime. Cos,Teresa Fran, Rosa, and to all your families, my sincerest condolences. May God bless you all.

"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." - Emily Dickenson

You no longer sit at the head of the table, but you are not gone.  You are the brilliant colours of each sunrise and sunset.  You are the ethereal moonlight and the brightest star in the night sky.  You were small in size, but as deep as the ocean; articulate, poetic, and truly unlike anyone else.  Every moment is filled with the ache of your absence, but also the resonating joy that we were able to call you ours.  We were the lucky ones.  

Until we meet again, "I carry your heart.  I carry it in my heart."

Rosa and family,

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother.

Sincerely the Pietrantonios,
Francesco, Anna, Gabriela and Giulia

Dear Cos & Teresa
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Linda St.John/ Bill Popovic

On behalf of all the Bucher family in Smithers, Victoria, and Powell River, our deepest and most sincere condolences to the three children, the nine grandchildren, and all of the extended family of our beautiful, departed Dina. 
May her soul rest in peace!
Stefania Bucher

My sincerest condolences to Cos and his family at this time.

Dear Rosa,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this very difficult time.  Your mother will be missed by all those who loved her.
Mary Simone Jansepar

Cos and Theresa - my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother.  May she rest in peace and your memories of her warm your heart.

Rosemary Stewart

To the Natola Family,

Our deepest condolences to all the family at such a sad time.  Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we face in life.  May your mom rest in peace and have forever life in heaven.

To my cousin's and family,
May the peace of Jesus, that transcends all understanding, comfort you, today and always.
With all my heart,
Francesca

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Donata Dina Natola

12 octobre 1933 – 24 juin 2016

Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park

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