Alessandra Bitelli

Alessandra died peacefully on April 25, 2025 at the age of 96. Born in the city of Turin, Italy, from father Angelo and mother Rosellina, she developed her skills as an illustrator and miniaturist at an early age as she followed in the artistic footsteps of her father. After witnessing the tragedy and pain of World War II during her high school years, in her late teens, she endured serious illness, tuberculosis; little did she know that it would shape her life. Her doctor was a young handsome man smitten by his young beautiful patient. She married him at the age of 21, foregoing university for married life and a desire to start a family. She continued to devote herself to her artistic endeavors until God granted her wish, two sons in the short span of 20 months. In 1979, Alessandra immigrated to Canada with Renato, her husband, to join their two sons who were attending post-secondary education at the University of British Columbia. She settled in West Vancouver, in a beautiful apartment overlooking the waters of the Burrard Inlet, a place she truly loved and enjoyed for the rest of her life.

Once in Canada, in addition to taking the opportunity to travel extensively, she returned to her art work. She began devoting her time to water-based media, and then honed her skills of pen and ink and acrylics. Her designs and colour are extremely sophisticated and, in addition to landscapes, florals and abstract compositions, Alessandra painted 26 glass windows for Christ the Redeemer Church in West Vancouver, a two year undertaking and a great legacy of her artistic versatility and commitment to witnessing her faith. A member and president of the Federation of Canadian Artists for many years, she won many awards, including the 1993 High Wind Medal from the American Watercolor Society.

But most of all, we will remember her for her dedication to her husband, children, and grandchildren; she was a loving wife, a caring and thoughtful mother, a tender and compassionate grand-mother, and finally also great grandmother.

Alessandra was predeceased by her husband Renato (1994) and is survived and lovingly remembered by sons Giovanni (Silvia) and Alessandro (Nicole), beloved grandchildren Sandra, Maria and Elena (Tom), and great grandchild Jason.

Vigil Prayers will be held on Monday, May 5 at 7:30 pm at St. Anthony’s Parish, 2347 Inglewood Avenue, West Vancouver, BC.

Mass of Christian Burial, will be held on Tuesday, May 6 at 11:30 am at Christ the Redeemer Parish, 599 Keith Road, West Vancouver, BC

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Opus Dei (cheque made payable to Headford Cultural Group, 8272-108 Street, Delta, BC, V4C 4C4)

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