It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Rose Catherina (Sollazzo) DeLorenzo on September 25, 2021.
Born in Whitney Pier on December 6, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Dominic and Louise (Rose) Sollazzo. She is survived by her children: Silvana (Kevin Cameron), Toni, Dina (Martin Siller); Benita, Benito (Gail Fernandes) and Marco (Shelley MacNeil); her grandchildren: Jason Skinner (Gayle Killen), Leannah Robertson, Tara Beth Robertson (Barry Smith), Pascalina Gaillardetz (the late Jared Szabo), Assunta Gaillardetz (Husam Al-Salih), Benito DeLorenzo (Gillian MacInnis), Carlo DeLorenzo (Amy Bond), Brittni Fernandes, Shelby Bonaparte, and Lauryn MacNeil; and her great grandchildren: Zarek, Kale, Austin, Sophia Anne, Hamza, Emmy, Benito, Sullivan, and Marley; brother-in-law Andrew Emanuele; sister-in-law Dolly Sollazzo; and her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Benito DeLorenzo; sisters Lucy Emanuele and Anna Sollazzo; brothers Frank and Tony Sollazzo.
Mom was an extraordinary woman. She had a professional career that spanned 47 years. She worked as a Ship Chandler for Sydney Ship Supply for more than 25 years and then held administrative/accounting positions with HB Nickerson & Sons Ltd., TD Bank, and Clearwater Fisheries, all while raising six children.
Her accomplishments were many. She loved the open water and, in 1963, she became the first female on Cape Breton Island and one of only three women in Nova Scotia at that time to receive her Master’s Certificate in Seamanship. As Captain of the “Little Lorraine,” she led many deep sea sport fishing expeditions.
She was active in the Cape Breton Italian Cultural Association for many years serving on the Executive and then several terms as President. Her Italian heritage was of utmost importance to her, and she worked tirelessly to ensure that the traditions were passed down to her family and the next generation of the Italian community.
Mom was an artist when it came to knitting and crocheting and she was asked to share her talent and knowledge with others. For many years, she spent her evenings instructing beginner and advanced students at the Whitney Pier Portables.
She loved to waterski, bowl, skidoo, and curl alongside Dad. She also loved her summers spent at the bungalows on Blarney Road and later in Soldier’s Cove, because they were filled with laughter and fun times for family and friends.
Although she had her busy career, her extracurricular activities, and her community involvement, it was family that was always most important to Mom. She was the glue that held us together. Her traditional Sunday family meal spanned six decades. Every Sunday of the year, we were invited to her spaghetti and meatball supper. Unless you were being called upon to avert a global crisis, you were expected to attend, as this was her time to check-in personally with all her children and grandchildren. And in keeping with her values and priorities of ensuring relationships were maintained, she loved to host get-togethers which included all of her extended family.
Mom lived her life with great strength and dignity. She was a dedicated wife and mother, a hard-working employee, and a faithful church and community member. It is time for her to rest. We will miss her immensely but are truly blessed by her legacy.
Our family thanks Janice and staff of the Creative Care Unit at the Cove Guest Home as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff of the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their kindness and support.
Visitation for Rose will take place on Thursday evening, Sept 30, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at TW Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 1, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church with Rev. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, in Sydney, will follow.
To view livestream please visit Holy Redeemer Parish Whitney Pier facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Whitney Pier Youth Club or charity of choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TWCurry.com for the Delorenzo family.
