Rosa (MELE) Conti

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rosa Conti. She passed away peacefully in the early morning of Monday, November 18, 2024 in the presence of her immediate family. Rosa was born in San Giovanni in Fiore, Cosenza, Italy on December 5, 1934. She was predeceased by her husband, Leonello, parents Giovanni and Isabella, sisters Caterina, Maria, Rosaria and brothers, Antonio and Giuseppe.

On February 11, 1956 Rosa married Leonello and enjoyed 56 years together. She will be profoundly missed by her loving children Clara Emma Conti; Aldo Conti (Shelley) and Lino Conti. Grandchildren: Matthew Conti (Lisa) and Joseph Conti (Sarah Chang) Great-grandchild: Jack Conti, along with her brothers, Pasquale Mele (Louise) and Biaggio Mele and sister Gina Iuliano (Tony) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and family members.

Rosa was a beloved wife, mother, Nonna, biz Nonna, sister and friend. Her radiant smile would light up any room she entered. She was outgoing and had an infectious laugh. She loved to sing and dance and was the first one on the dance floor, inspiring others to join in. She was always ready for any adventure and she especially loved spending time with her family and friends, who loved her.

Visitation to be held Monday, December 2, 2024 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. at Ocean View Funeral Home– Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Judes Parish – 3078 Renfrew Street., Vancouver, BC V5M 2W7.

For guests and family members having flowers delivered, please have them delivered before 4:00 pm on December 2nd.

Condolences can be sent to www.oceanviewfuneral.com

Aldo's Eulogy...

Mom came to Canada very young age on her own not knowing the language. She made her way to Vancouver eventually staying at Boarding home where she met her good friend Gina Zanata.

It was here she met her future husband Leonello Conti better known as Dad. I Remember Growing up on 5th Victoria we would play outside all day with the neighbourhood kids only to come in to eat or have Baid aids put on then out we go again. Mom was always there watching out for us.

Mom also did most of the disciplining, we would occasionally get out of hand, and she would do this slight twist in the back of the arm which proved to be very effective.” Petezula” Mom had a big family 9 bothers & sisters and loved them all. As a family I remember the weekend visits at Nona’s home with some of my Aunts & Uncles and remember the rhyming toast they would do at the dinner. Still living on Victoria Mom worked Queen Elizabeth restaurant part time. She would not only run daily household chores but Premade dinner ready to heat up no easy task as Dad for some reason wanted soup every day which was okay with me Mom made a great Pasta Fajolie.

We moved to Renfrew Heights when I was 13 and as time went on, I met new friends spending less time at home, but Mom was always there for us. Eventually I Moved out met my beautiful wife (Shelley) married and started family. I worked downtown right across street from Eaton’s and Mom worked at Eaton’s Marine room restaurant. I would go for Lunch Mom and Mom would proudly introduce me to her coworkers including cashier to get the employee discount. This is where I started to notice how much she was loved by her coworkers and customers.

Breakfast with Santa at the Marine room was a tradition with our family Matthew and Joseph enjoyed spending time with Nona and of course Santa. Mom was a great cook. Boys were amazed conjure up when seemingly there was nothing in the fridge. Nonna made great tasting Christmas treats and of course her classic homemade Meatballs which my wife eventually was able to duplicate.

We grew older Grandkids working now but one thing never changed how many people loved Mom she had friends all over people would come up with big smile and open arms. I saw this more and more and one of my sayings I would say to My wife continuously “ My Mom is a saint and she can do no wrong” Mom was outgoing and loved music, later in life she would breakout in song or just get up and dance which in turn would put a smile on everyone faces and occasionally get family members to participate, Joseph was a good partner.

Shortly after Dads Passing we noticed Mom forgetting things it was slow at first and progressed over the years. My Sister, Brother lived with Mom shortly after Dads passing traveling and later on in her life taking care of Mom. I especially want to thank my sister after she retired she would keep watch over Mom every day. The last year was especially hard, Mom would forget my name but with a little coaxing her eyes would light up and she would shout it out.

I wish Dementia never came, I wish I had more time, I wish she had more time with her family and her new Great Grandchild Jack.

I love my Mom Very Much

Tiamo Ma.

Lino's Eulogy...

I'm happy. I'm healthy. I'm terrific.

Those are the words my mom used to say to herself in front of the mirror to start her day. My mom was an incredibly positive person. She was fun-loving, and always happy. She was kind, outgoing, expressive, appreciative and polite.

Even in her waning time here she would always offer a tender and heartfelt 'thank you' for any care or nourishment you offered. She was always loving, giving and wanting to help her kidseven back in the days of the wooden spoon and the pizzola, the stinging pinch upon your arm. My mom helped me greatly throughout my entire life in many ways.

She helps me even today with the lessons she has taught me. She always looked on the bright side. Every day was a nice day outside -- except if we went outside and it was troppo vento, too windy. She was also very wise. If I lamented about life, she would say, “Lino, don't worry about the material things” My mom was a key to unlock the outside world for us. Wherever we went with her strangers would open up & embrace with us kindness & respect. She won over others quickly with her warm spirit. She will stay with me forever. I'll miss her laugh, her happiness, and her always cheerful greetings.

So for my mom, I'd like to read this poem for her.

If roses grow in heaven,

Lord please pick a bunch for me,

Place them in my Mother’s arms

And tell her they’re from me.

Tell her I love her and miss her,

And when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek

And hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day,

But there’s an ache within my heart

That will never go away.

I miss you mom. I will always love you.

Tuo figlio, Lin

Clara's Eulogy...

I was very blessed to have a beautiful mom. My sweet, beautiful mom was the soul and heart of our family. Always making us feel safe and loved. She would always offer words of encouragement when we needed them most. She always had faith in us and gave us courage when we had none.

She had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Friends, neighbors, even strangers – mom greeted them with her humour and warmth. Her sweetness and kindness touched many lives.

My beautiful mom was born in a small town, San Giovanni Fiore, Cozenza in Italy. She was very brave when she came to Canada to meet up with her father and brother as a young girl, all by herself. She was full of life and faced her new life in Canada with courage. She met my dad, fell in love and got married. She always said she married him because he was tall and had curly hair.

She loved being our mom and taking care of us. She was an amazing cook and loved making meals for the family. All those tasty Italian dishes that I can remember. I can never aspire to be as good a cook as my mom. I remember my mom working part time at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Restaurant, assisting the chef. She also worked part time at Eatons Marine Room restaurant. She was always so proud when we came to visit her, and introduced us to everyone.

My beautiful mom loved music and she loved to sing and dance. She was the first one to get up and dance, inspiring others to join in. She was always ready for any adventure. She loved to travel, and especially loved spending time with her family and friends. She was outgoing and had an infectious laugh. Her radiant smile would light up any room she entered.

I moved in with mom when I wasn’t feeling well. She took care of me and then I took care of her when she needed me most. I took my mom everywhere I went. I loved having her in the car with me. I took her for walks and to lunch; dinners and events at the Italian Centre, dancing at the piazza in the summer, weekend shopping, and every event at the community centre. I took her everywhere I went. She was always willing to go out, except for this past year, when she slowed down quite a bit.

A light has gone out of our house. I miss her very much. I hear her and see her every day, everywhere. Even in her final days, mom’s concern was for us. She made sure we were okay, had something to eat, were warm, and she always tried to help even when she couldn’t. Mom, your love will continue to guide us, your memory will continue to inspire us. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our family. She told us how much she loved us everyday....

And you know how much I love you,

And you know how much I do,

And you know I love you…

Ti amo mamaTu sei più bella di tutti !