Giuseppina Emilia Franceschin

Our hearts are broken. The matriarch of the Franceschin family has left us to be with the angels and her dearly departed in Heaven. The families announce the passing of our Mamma, Nonna, Bisnonna, sister, aunt, godmother, Giuseppina (Beppina). Just 4 weeks shy of her 96th birthday, she no longer had the strength and stamina to carry on. She was a resident of Bethany's Calgary (West Hillhurst) in both Independent Living and on the 3rd Floor Parkview. It was a peaceful passing, and her suffering has been taken away from her. Her care group lovingly named her 'Mamma Mia' and she became attached to quite a few of the staff members. She was described as "such a sweet lady" by them. Mom was said to be always polite to the staff at the many hospital stays she endured in the past couple of years. Her determination and stamina to continue on was something to be admired.

Mom is predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Daniele (2020), son-in-law Kevin Whittier (2018). She will be a void in the hearts of her children Antonella Whittier, Valerio (Irene), Franco; grandchildren Stephanie Sakundiak (Avrey), Robert (Pearl) Franceschin, Jordan Whittier and Eric Whittier; great-grandchildren Jacob, Ella and Brayden Sakundiak. One brother-in-law Giuliano (Benvenuta) Franceschin and their family Giovanna, Diego (James, Kimberly (Matthew)).

In Italy, she is predeceased by the Faldon sisters Maria, Teresa, GianCarla and Rosetta, along with their spouses, and brother Giuseppe; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Gina and Italo, Elio and Paola. One sister, one sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews remain in Italy.

Mom made the long trans-Atlantic journey in 1957 from Italy to Halifax, and then by train, to Calgary to be with her fiancé. It was a long-distance romance beginning in Italy, leading to their re-uniting in Calgary. Her travel companion was a lady named Stella, who was also coming to Calgary to meet her fiancé, Giovanni. They were married on April 6, 1957. The two couples quickly became friends and shared the same wedding day, and dinner reception. They returned to Italy for some visits, and although having Italia in their hearts, Canada remained their forever homes.

Mom was very devoted to her husband and children. A woman of simple means, but very efficient and forever caring for her family. She lived by the motto 'don't put off tomorrow what you can do today!' Mom's happy place was her home. She never went to bed until all her chores and errands were completed. She worked her arthritic hands to the bone, cooking, cleaning, baking, sewing and helping dad with the outside garden and flowers. She took long and loving care of dad through his many years of being a stroke survivor. It was her way of keeping everything in order for herself and the family. The home was immaculately kept; her cooking and baking were always well received by family and friends. The grandchildren still talk about Nonna's pasta, and the making of birthday cakes with her bright blue icing. Her tiramisu was second to none. She so loved being a Nonna, and she will tell Nonno about Nonna and the great-grandchildren he never got to meet. Bisnonno would be smiling down from above. Her friendships were many, and her time always belonged to someone else. She was very strong in her Catholic faith, especially having worked in a convent in her teen years with her Aunt who was a nun. The Daily TV was always watched, with Rosary in hand. Weekly Mass was attended, until it became too difficult to manage.

With gratitude for all their efforts in keeping mom in their care, the families would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and care aides at Bethany Calgary during her tenure. A special thank you to Brenda for her spirituality and compassion towards mom.

A Prayer Service will be held at Holy Name Parish, 2223 – 34 Street S.W., Calgary on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Parish on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Interment to follow at Queen's Park Mausoleum, 3219 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary.

During this Lenten Season, flowers are asked to be kept at a minimum. Should they desire, friends and families are welcome to make a donation to Holy Name Parish Building Fund (https://holynamecalgary.ca/giving) or Bethany Care Foundation (https://bethanycarefoundation.com/donate)

The family would like to also thank Teresa and staff from Foster's Garden Chapel, who provided much care and comfort in dealing with mom's (and previously dad's) funeral arrangements.

"It's not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that really matters." Riposate in Pace, cari Mamma e Pápa.