Vanda Carolo

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend on September 18th, 2023 at the age of 74 years. Vanda Carolo(nee Repole) was born in the province of Cozenza Atilia, Calabria, Italy in 1949 to Teresa and Giuseppe Repole. In 1967 to she immigrated to Canada where she started her new life and where she met Roberto, marrying in 1968.

Vanda held many titles when it came to work, but most proudly was being a daycare operator for many years and working at Fressgo Inn where she went from bus lady, bartender to manger over her long career there. As for being a daycare worker she provided a unique setting for the children with her Italian cooking, Italian dancing and learning Italian themselves. Vanda was a dedicated homemaker as well, feeding the family, making fresh pasta, bread and her world famous Crostoli, always having everyone’s bellies feeling full. She was a hardworking woman, she was a great mom to her boys and great wife to her husband, she adored, loved and lived for her three grandchildren whom meant the world to her. Vanda was a great sister to her brothers and sister always keeping the family together and being the life of the party making her nieces, nephews, goddaughters and godsons laugh all the time. It’s fair to say she was a one of a kind woman. Superwoman.

In 2020 she was diagnosed with terminal uterine cancer. She handle the news like a champion and fought like a champion. She set records with 7 different chemotherapy treatment plans, never throwing up and was living to her fullest during chemo to everyone amazement . She set records with one chemotherapy treatment that the cancer agency is still amazed by and confused how she could take 17 rounds of this treatment when no one past 10. It’s Vanda, a fighter and the strongest woman to be known. She fought hard right to the end. She will always be remembered and will always be loved for eternity.

Vanda was predeceased by her brother Giovanni(Sisina) Repole, brother in law Joe Pagnotta, brother in law Joe Michelon. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Roberto, her loving sons Johnny and Antonio(Dilys Chiew), Grandchildren Gia , Hannah and Alessia, her siblings Carmelo(Olga) , Ester , Mike(Rose), Stan(Helen), Dave, Giulio(Anna) and her sister in law Lucia Michelon.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Bell Burnaby Funeral Home, Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Helen’s Parish, 3860 Triumph Street, Burnaby on Wednesday September 27th, 2023 at 10:00am. Private entombment for immediate family to follow at Ocean View Burial Park. In lieu of flowers please donate to the BC Cancer Society, would be greatly appreciated by the family.

****Also we please ask guests to please not wear cologne or perfume due to asthma related medical reasons at the viewing and church please**** Thank you.