It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother Leda, at the age of 96. Born June 17, 1923 in Cansano, L’Aquila, Italy, she was predeceased by her husband Vincenzo in August 13 2018, parents Germano and Rosa DiGregorio, sister Stella DiCesare, sister Annina De Santis and son-in-law Vincenzo D’Amato. She is survived by her loving and devoted family, children Lina, Basil (Denise), Sandra (Tony); grandchildren Roberto (Kat), Enzo (Rosa), Maria (Doug), Jennifer (Marcin), Vanessa, Ryan, Michelle, Francesco, Daniela and Antonio; great-grandchildren Ava, Téa, Leo, Adam, Alexander, Isabella, Damiano; many nieces, nephews, friends in Canada, Italy, New Mexico; sister-in-law Dea, brother-in-law Valdo (Jenny) in New York and their families. Special thanks to the staff at Willingdon Care Centre for their care over the past 4 years. A private service was held at St. Helen’s Parish Burnaby, June 2, 2020, followed with Entombment at Abbey Mausoleum, Ocean View Burial Park.
Mom's/Nonna's Eulogy
June 2/2020
Good morning, thank you all for coming today to honour the life and legacy of our beloved Leda.
My name is Francesco Quarto, I am Leda’s grandson. I will be reading the eulogy written by her children.
Leda Rossetti was born in Cansano, L’Aquila, Italy on June 17, 1923 to Germano and Rosa Di Gregorio.
Mom was the first born in the family. As a child she would love to spend all her time with her parents. It wasn’t much longer when her sister Stella arrived in August of 1925. During their childhood they were very close and enjoyed their time together. Many years later they were excited upon the arrival of their youngest sister, Annina born in March of 1935.
The family was now complete.
Everything changed in 1940 when Italy was at war. Life was difficult. And the family embraced each other more than ever during those uncertain times.
Mom had to grow up fast and take on a lot of responsibilities to help out. During and after the war everyone’s lives changed. And for mom her life was about to change forever, when she fell in love and married the man of her dreams Vincenzo, on October 28th, 1946.
A little over a year later they welcomed their first daughter, Lina, born in November 1947 and son Basil followed in July of 1950.
As a family they would travel to the nearby town of Sulmona. They would spend the day shopping, sight seeing and visiting the historical church in the town square.
During these years life was still very difficult in Italy. Dad wanted a better life for his family and had the opportunity to come to Canada. In October of 1952 dad left and mom stayed behind to care for her children and continue to help out her family.
Without her husband around, mom stayed strong and courageous. Working and caring for her 2 children until it was time for them to come to Canada.
Finally in October of 1953 mom and her 2 children set sail on the long journey by boat to Halifax, Canada. From Halifax they took the train to Vancouver and finally reunited with dad.
They first lived in the Strathcona area. Eventually purchasing their first home on Vernon Drive. And in August of 1957 their second daughter, Sandra was born.
In 1966 they built their new home on 5th and Victoria. While living there mom continued to work hard at home. Taking pride in caring for her family. She also sacrificed by working evenings doing janitorial work. And for a catering company on the weekends.
In 1982, they would build their next home in Burnaby. This house would be the pinnacle for many family events, and many memories of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
Mom enjoyed her walks to Hastings street in the Burnaby Heights area to shop at her favourite grocery stores. She loved to plant her tomato’s and beans in her garden. Mom loved to make her famous pizzelle’s and a party was never complete without them.
She was extremely devoted to her family. On special occasions she would be cooking up a storm. She would never sit down and always made sure everyone was happy.
Mom had many wonderful memories of her family. And the highlight of her day would be to see her grandchildren, Roberto, Enzo, Maria, Jennifer, Vanessa, Ryan, Michelle, Francesco, Daniela and Antonio. They will always have many wonderful memories they will cherish.
As the family continued to grow mom’s eyes would light up from the sight of her 7 great-grandchildren, Ava, Téa, Leo, Adam, Alexander, Isabella, Damiano.
In their later years, mom and dad resided at Seton Villa. They would continue to remain in separable until mom had her fall in 2016. This would lead mom in need of full time care. And after almost 70 years together they would have to live separately. Sadly during their time apart dad would suddenly pass away in August of 2018.
Mom fought through all her aches and pains. Never giving up. And as much as mom fought hard she was tired. We knew deep down mom needed to rest.
And on May 25, 2020 mom closed her eyes, and took her last breath. She would finally be at peace.
We are thankful for the sacrifices she made for her family. We are blessed to have had her for so long in this life.
The pain hurts deep to lose her. But our hearts are at ease knowing that she is now reunited with dad in heaven.
We love you so much. We’ll miss you and we will keep you in our hearts forever.
Until we see you again.
Thank you.
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