This is a very difficult and sad time for the family, and although I did not know Velia personally,  you can rejoice that she was a remarkable person who gave of herself with love and passion to family and community.  Along with the rest of the family, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to those members whom I know directly and who are son Vito, brother Mike and nephews Marcello, Rossano and Morris. May the thought that Velia is in her heavenly place alleviate your sorrow.
Pietro Calendino
Burnaby City Councillor

Velia was a wonderful colleague and friend in the years that I taught with her at Ridgeway School. She cared deeply about her students and was dedicated to being the best teacher that she could be. I am so sorry to find out about her untimely passing. My deepest condolences to her son, Vito and his family, her companion Bish and all those who will miss having Velia in their life. I have many good memories about times and fun that we had together and for those memories I am most grateful. Ciao, Velia.                      Louise Ritchie

Friendship is a gift. I was always so proud to call Velia my friend. We met in college; we would often go to each other's houses and I would love to go to Velia's as her Mother had usually just made a loaf of homemade bread - it was delicious! We would add some cheese, have a glass of vino and proceed to the living room to put on a record of Paul Anka as we sat and talked about life. 

Velia knew exactly what she wanted to do in life and that was to become a teacher. She graduated from UBC and taught for many years. Her students were so lucky to have such a devoted teacher.

We would connect with each other throughout the decades and as with all good friends it was as if no time had passed.

Coincidentally, we share the same birthday! I was thrilled to be invited to her 70th! What an amazing celebration; it was there that we reconnected again. 

Her greatest pride and joy was Vito. She mentioned to me that Vito would phone her every day to say "Hi" and to see how she was.

Recording her family's traditions had been on her mind. She felt it was important to pass them down to future generations. She told me that Hemmingway had 10 -12 sharpened pencils on his desk ready for use. She jokingly told me that she had 5 sharpened pencils on hers and that she had written down 12 pages of family traditions. I hope all of her nieces and nephews read these valuable pages.

We talked a lot to each other these last 3 years. Velia was concerned about social issues and the latest news. She was well read and would mention the latest book that she was reading with her book club. She found strength and comfort in her faith.

Goodbye my dear friend, I will miss you. 

                                           ❤️
                                       
                                   Kathy Fournier

From the moment I met Zia Velia I knew we would have a lifetime connection, and we did.
She nicknamed me “La Calabrisella” and accepted me into her family with open arms.
We always had something to talk about, and she always made time to see me.
One call was all  it took to set things in motion if she was needed. Zia Velia was that way.

We had an ongoing inside joke together, one that flourished from a day skiing at Whistler.
I had my own gear, so she thought I could ski,  so I went with it…
As we got to the top of the mountain, reality snuck in and I froze with fear..
The others we were with made their way down, enjoying the slopes while I took baby steps all the way down.
Zia Velia stayed with me that entire day, never leaving my side, although at times giving me a few choice Italian words ! :)
She encouraged me down the slopes and we laughed at the end of the day.

Until a couple months ago, she would randomly ask me if I had gone skiing lately,, and I would reply “but of course!”

Zia Velia was not a complicated woman to me.. as long as you were sincere and respectful and truly cared about her, 
you had her from the get go.
I can truly say, she was my friend, my aunt and someone who I could trust when life became uneasy.

She was a strong, smart, witty, beautiful woman and a true inspiration to me.

Rest in Peace Zia,
Always in my heart.
Diana


We embrace the pain that struck the De Cotiis family, for the loss of dear Velia, the heartfelt condolences of the Italian cousins, Concetta, Antonio, Costanzopio, Federica and Michela.

Velia will be missed.  She was my book club and "meet for coffee" friend.  It was such a pleasure to share time with her - we always managed to have a good chuckle over some little thing in our lives.  So very sad to hear this news.
Margie Schwartz

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Angelo, Jeanette, Nicholas and Alexandra Carusi

Velia, or Ms. De Cotiis, as I called her, was my grade 3 teacher in 1995 at Ridgeway Elementary. I remember her class was fun, and she matched the energy of all her students. She always pushed you to try harder, and would not accept anything less than your best. As much as she expected from you, she would be there beside you, supporting you to get there. 

I remember she encouraged me to check out biographies of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux  from the library. She knew I loved hockey, and this was her subtle way of tricking me into reading longer books! That was the kind of attention she gave to her students.  I'm grateful for Velia's commitment to education, as her small act of encouragement helped me build the skills I use to this day. 

Even in my adult years, when I would run into her, she still had that same energy and smile, and still made sure to check if I was doing the best I could. I know Velia gave her best in all aspects of her life, and her passing is an immense loss to all she helped along the way. Her impact, though, will be felt long into the future.  

Riposa in pace, Maestra.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Velia De Cotiis

20 juillet 1949 – 28 mai 2022

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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