Virginia Mary Cosentino

Predeceased by her husband, August Cosentino, parents Maria and Arcangelo; and siblings Carmelina, Anthony, Peter, Angelina, Adelina and Serafina.

Born a fraternal twin to Serafina in Amato, Italy the family immigrated to Winnipeg when Mom was nine. Immersed in an unfamiliar culture and language, she and her siblings developed a lifelong unbreakable bond of love, support and encouragement.

Mom began her career as a seamstress working for the T. Eaton company. Around the same time, she developed an infatuation for a young man – August Cosentino. One day as she was leaving her job, August was waiting outside the employee door. He told her he was waiting for “a friend” but then walked her home – instead. Thus, began their courtship and the loving relationship that defined our parent’s life together. They married on July 27, 1946.

Mom’s deep faith sustained her. Through the challenges she experienced during multiple moves – to Calgary, Edmonton and Montreal – that took her away from extended family in Winnipeg for 28 years. And through her greatest heartache of all – the unexpected death of our Dad in 1992. Reunited now – their love story continues.

Their love brought three cherished children into the world – Cathy, Peter and Martina. Mom’s world continued to expand as she lovingly welcomed their spouses - Douglas Olson, Victoria Reid and Robert Larsen, granddaughters -Sandra Olson, Marissa Cosentino, Andrea Cosentino and Adrienne Olson, grandsons-in-law - Derek Rush, Michael Miller & Ryan Leicht; and great grandsons – Mitchell and Hudson Rush and Wyatt and Austin Miller. We all loved her as much as she loved us.

Mom moved to The Wellington in February 1993. At her death, she was their longest living resident and The Wellington was quite simply – her home. She loved living there. The joy she received through the many relationships she formed with other residents and staff members was immeasurable. She loved her garden, her afternoon coffee with friends and entertaining family and friends in the dining room.

Mom gave selflessly to many volunteer endeavors – Catholic Women’s League, The Villa Cabrini, Holy Rosary Church and The Wellington Knitting Circle - whose hand knit hats and booties wrapped many a premature baby in love.

Mom’s sustaining belief through her life was the importance of family. She loved and was loved in return by the entire Sherbo and Cosentino families and by many others - who adopted her as family - through their friendship. She was a friend and compassionate sister-in-law to Ramon and Doreen Cosentino and Rose Sherbo, a loving and fiercely supportive aunt to her many nieces and nephews and a loyal friend to everyone.

We believe – in all seriousness – it took a village to care for and support Mom during her later years. A special thank you to her three nieces - who took turns being her companion and advocate - Sera Smith, Rosemarie Gagliardi and Dawn Sherbo. And to all her nieces and nephews who gave of themselves so often and so unselfishly to care for Mom in our absence. We would have never been able to accomplish all we did for her without your help. You are loved more than you know.

A special thank you to Drs. Coyle, Inglis and Rabson. Your combined care of our Mom gave us 21+ more years of her being in our lives. And finally, to the staff of Deer Lodge 2East – in the words of our Mom – “Thank you for the superb and loving care” - you gave to her in the last month of her life.

Mom was kind, graceful, gentle and loving and we are blessed she bestowed her love on everyone who knew her.

Rest in peace, Mom. Remember always how much you are loved.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on February 28, 2020 at 11:30 am at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. Father Samuel Argenziano presiding.

A private interment will be held.

Pallbearers: Charles Sherbo, Archie Park-Sherbo, Jack Mushinski, George Janzen, Tony Gagliardi, Dean Yachison.

Honorary Pallbearers: Derek Rush, Michael Miller, Ryan Leicht and Doug Cameron.

Condolences may be offered at a reception in the Holy Rosary Church Hall following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either The Canadian Cancer Society (193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C2B7 www.cancer.ca ) or The American Cancer Society (PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 www.cancer.org.)

“Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.” - Kahlil Gibran