Ms. Celia Cassino

She had already fought a courageous battle with bowel cancer and again, most recently, a 5 year fight against bladder cancer. Celia was predeceased by her father, Agostino, mother, Francesca, and brother, Frank. She is survived by her nephews, Gino (& Frances), Tino (& Cheryl) and Jim and sister-in-law, Rina. Also, great nephew, Daniel, great nieces, Chiara and Angela and great great nieces, Shanice and Trinity, cousins, Amelia (& Neil, Terry-Anne in PG) and many family members in Prince George and in Italy.

Her immediate family is now finally reunited with God. She is pain-free; the pain she kept so silent always showing a smile until her very last days in hospital when the pain was too much to bear. Never married, Celia lived and shopped on her own until mid-July before she was admitted to Peach Arch hospital where she succumbed to her disease while in hospice. Her family visited her daily and stayed by her side helping as much as possible.

Celia was born in Prince George, BC to two immigrant parents. Her father became a foreman on the Grand Trunk Railway. While growing up Celia and her brother helped at the family-run Dominion Hotel in PG before and after school and during school vacations. With limited resources, their parents sent Celia and Frank to professional schools for a year in Vancouver. Celia became a Steno-bookkeeper and returned to PG to work at private lumber companies and run their offices. Her accounting abilities were fantastic right up to her passing. Until just recently, she was also the Treasurer on her condo Strata Council. Celia and her mother later decided to leave the cold winters of PG and move to Victoria, a place they both adored. Family visits there were always a treat. After the sad passing of her mother in 1989 and a few years of retirement, Celia decided it was time to be close again to family and made the big move to White Rock, BC. She instantly embraced her new home. She loved the small-town community, the beautiful waterfront, the people and friends she made and the walking distance to all amenities. Celia never had a driver’s license and always walked everywhere. She made regular trips to the library and was an avid novel reader of countless books over her lifetime. She also read all local and regional newspapers back-to-back and could easily have an intelligent conversation and share her opinion about all facets of life. She really loved to discuss local and national politics and knew about all parties past and present. Celia loved to watch sports; she cheered for the Canucks and the Blue Jays, as she caught the games on TV. During her 17 years in White Rock, she truly enjoyed attending Daniel’s, her great nephew, baseball Little League and then Jr. & Sr. Tritons games all the while enjoying her favorite treats, a delicious hotdog and a black coffee. In addition, she spent many years watching Chiara, her great niece’s numerous dance recitals and year-end shows. She was excited to attend and was always awestruck by her talent. Zia Celia was always very proud of both Daniel and Chiara for all their accomplishments and accolades in school, sports and their chosen career paths. She loved to listen to them tell stories, always laughed with tears of joy and always, always encouraged and praised them for all their decisions both small and large. She brought out the best in them and everyone.

Celia was always an independent woman and in the early 1950’s to 1980’s, she often travelled alone or with her beloved travel companion and great friend, Leigh, who most recently moved to Spain. They had always remained in touch. Over the years, she went on more than 15 cruises and spent a lot of time travelling in Europe.

Local organized day bus trips from either Victoria or White Rock were a common occurrence. When independent travel progressively became more difficult, Celia cherished the many short or long road trips with Gino and his family. Going for coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner locally, in Vancouver or Langley/Fort Langley were always a highlight of her week. While at home, she loved to bake and did this with perfection turning out the most delicious and professional short bread cookies, brownies, banana loaves and muffins for all of us to enjoy. Christmas treats were even better. She was so confident in her ability that she would not even try one before giving them to family and friends! These gifts will be missed.

Our family would like to acknowledge and thank all the staff on the ACE Unit and Hospice at Peach Arch Hospital, Dr. Benitez-Gomez, Dr. Tyrell, Dr. Herman Kwan, the staff at Hilltop Medical Clinic, Surrey Memorial Cancer Agency and Royal Columbian for their unwavering professional and caring support for the last 5 years. She always felt she was treated in a respectful and caring manner throughout her many years of constant appointments and tests. Celia was always grateful to be living in Canada.

Celia chose cremation and it was her last wish was to travel and rest once again at the significant places in her heart; Prince George, Victoria, Nanaimo and Hawaii.

For many years, Celia gave generously to the Red Cross, the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to one of her favorite causes. Celia will be missed by all who had the opportunity to meet or know her. A private Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.