Heaven has gained a most beautiful soul who in the end expressed an ardent desire to be reunited with her mother. Violanda was born in Celle di San Vito, Italy to Donatella and Vincenzo Longo. She leaves behind: loving and grateful daughters Dina Dalia (Dante), (Giuseppina) Josephine Atanas (Bill), cherished grandchildren Joseph Atanas (Laura), Dina Atanas (Rachelle), Simone Medeiros (Hugo), Dante Dalia (Erica), and Joseph Dalia (Megan), loving bis-nonna to Leo, Violet, Hugo, Juliette, Dante, Stefano, and Joseph. Predeceased by her deeply loved daughter Vincenza and her husband Luigi (1992), prized brothers, Giovani, Antonio, Michele, Teodore, and Vincenzo, her loved sister Carmine, and dear sister in laws, Teresa, Lucia, Giovanna, survived by Lina and Norina. Violanda is also survived by much loved nieces and nephews. Like many immigrants to Canada in the 1950’s, Violanda courageously left behind her family, customs, and culture to join her husband, Luigi. She left for Canada, never having seen a map of the world, or ever hearing the English language. Unbelievably, she was willing to take this leap of faith in the hopes of finding a better way of life not only for herself, but most importantly for her future children. Violanda found work quickly. This included often working five days a week in a factory, then labouring in fields picking seasonal vegetables on the weekends, as well as working overtime whenever offered and never taking a day off even when she was ill. She was a loyal employee who became an advocate for other immigrant workers ensuring that their rights were protected. Once home she prepared delicious meals for her family and was always the last to bed as she made sure everyone was ready for the next day. Never did we hear her complain that she was tired. She sewed our clothes, grew our vegetables, and canned food for the winter. Her sole goal was to make life easier for everyone else. Our home, 27 Mary Street, was like an Ellis Island, a landing spot for family members coming to Canada. Once settled, Violanda and Luigi sponsored her mother and five brothers. They repeated the pattern that she and Luigi had established and worked tirelessly to get their families to Canada. Once one brother was set up and ready, the next one came. Many Italians who moved into the neighbourhood shared espressos, cookies, and stories on Violanda’s beautiful front porch; it was a safe and supportive gathering place. Her deeds and words contributed to making the world a better place in a variety of venues. As a faith-filled parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish for almost 70 years, she attended mass faithfully on Sundays and on any other days she could fit in. She actively participated in the Catholic Women’s League, prayer groups, church bazaars, spaghetti nights, and she helped establish the Padre Pio celebrations at the parish. She served the church and the community responsibly and faithfully to further the message of the gospel. She raised respectful, loving, caring and faith filled children and grandchildren through her example and expectations. When we reflect upon her life, three key thoughts come to mind: self-sacrifice, love, and devotion. She devoted herself unselfishly to her family, made whatever sacrifice was necessary to support them, and loved them without limits. This type of love cannot be repaid, it can only be paid forward to those we love. Violanda spent the last few years of her life as a resident of St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre. We thank all those who contributed to her care and showed her kindness.We will miss hearing cianganella, but it will live on in our memories. Mamma, ma la canzone la piu bella sei tu, sei tu la vita, e per la vita non ti lascio mai pui. While the visitation is private, we invite you to honour our mother’s memory by attending her funeral mass. She would love to see you there. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 133 Murray St., on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 11am. Interment to follow St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the building fund of St. Mary’s Parish Brantford. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.thorpebrothersfh.com Addio mamma bella
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