Anna Cavezza

Anna was born one of six siblings in Sant'Anastasia, a rural community outside of Napoli, on January 16, 1940 and grew up in a post-war, impoverished Italy. Life was difficult in those years, with limited opportunities and resources. Soft spoken but strong willed, and encouraged by her mother Concetta and her Zia Rosa Busiello, she accepted the invitation to come to Canada by a young man named Pasquale, who had been corresponding with her by letter after seeing her in a photograph of his brother's wedding party in Italy. In 1964, at age 24, she made the journey across the Atlantic, steadying herself against the fear of her first time on an airplane and the unknown that lay ahead in a new country.

They married and raised three children together in Vancouver, BC. Anna adapted well. She was hard working, honest, and of strong values. These values included the importance of family, a strong faith, a giving heart, an unconditional kindness, and a gentle grace. She thought of others first before herself always, even in her last days asking her grown children when they visited her in hospital if they had eaten - "Hai mangiato?" - and offering up part of her hospital meals!

An immigrant with little education and not able to speak the language, Anna relied on her inner strength and steadfast will to get a job in those early years, picking up English as she went, learning to drive, and becoming a Canadian citizen. She provided a stable and nurturing home for her children, embracing opportunities for them that she did not have growing up so that they would not have the struggles she had known. Her extensive vegetable, fruit, and flower garden, which flourished on all four sides of the house, was her passion and sanctuary. It was one of two great joys. The other was being Nonna.

Anna is survived and lovingly remembered by her three children, Vince (Sabrina), Marianne, and David (Brandon); her four grandchildren, Alex, Matthew, Tianna, and Gabrielle; her brothers Michelangelo, Mario (Carol) in England, and Andre (Giuseppina) in Italy; and her 'little' cousin Franco Busiello (Anna) in Italy. She is predeceased by her husband Pasquale; and her sisters Maddalena (Aniello) and Giovanna (Michele).

Visitation with prayers will be held on February 4, 2026 from 7pm-9pm at Ocean View Chapel (4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby BC). Funeral Service will be on February 5, 2026 from 11am-12pm at Corpus Christi Parish (6350 Nanaimo St, Vancouver, BC) with the entombment and reception to follow at Ocean View Burial Park – South Mausoleum and Funeral Home (4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby BC) from 12:30pm-3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the BC Lung Foundation at https://bclung.ca/donate/.

To share memories and condolences, please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/12709109.