Francesca (Nee Angelucci) Conicella

Francesca was born January 2nd, 1942 in Torricella Peligna, Provincia di Chieti, Abruzzo Italy, during the turmoil of World War II. In fact, the war came right to her doorstep, from October 1943 until May 1944, as the German soldiers occupied her home town. Fortunately, she was so young that she didn’t recall the devastation. Therefore, her memories of her childhood in Torricella were always positive, including going to school and her studies.

Francesca grew up in the real “Brady Bunch” home, well before the fictitious TV show existed. Her parents Antonio and Maria Nicola were both widowers, with children; who then remarried and would have two additional children together , Gabriele and Francesca. The Angelucci’s and DiPaolo’s always considered themselves one family. She had two other older brothers both named Giuseppe, and two older sisters Gina and Lia. Her sisters would both leave home early, to join a convent and spend their entire lives as nuns.

At just 17 years old, by herself, she would make the long journey by boat and immigrate to Winnipeg, Canada. In 1960, she would marry Giuseppe Conicella, also from Torricella. Over the the next six years they would welcome four children; Nicola, Antonio, John, and Anna Maria. Raising four kids at age 24 is a challenge in itself. Francesca did it without any help from relatives, as they were all in Italy, and with very limited resources and English skills. Somehow, her tremendous resilience and fortitude as a mother, enabled the family to get through the challenging economy of early 1960’s Winnipeg.

Uncommon in the late 1960’s, Francesca would join the workforce once all the kids started school. She was an excellent seamstress, equally fast and diligent. Her adaptable seamstress skills would cover every life situation we faced. From household needs, to coats and clothing, or intricately detailed Halloween costumes for the grandchildren. She did it all.

In 1978, Francesca and the entire family would make their first trip back to Italy, since she immigrated in 1959. It was a lifetime memory, month long trip, that also included travelling with our closest family friends the Capone’s. With just the two families, there was an even dozen people. We travelled through southern Italy, visiting each others home towns and the sites along the way.

After her children married, Francesca naturally transitioned into the role of “Nonna”. She was an amazing Nonna to her four grandchildren; Alessandra, Domonique, Julianna and Bruno. Nonna and Nonno loved helping out with the grandchildren and having the whole family together in “the shack” at their home for Nonna’s terrific cooking, especially her soups, salads, pastas and lasagnas.

After 50 years of living at their home in River Heights, it was finally time to move to Sterling House retirement home. Mom enjoyed her last five years at Sterling and became fast friends with all the residents, staff and HomeCare workers. She enjoyed participating in the many social events and the camaraderie the women shared. During this time, she was also so excited to become a great-grandmother to both Isla and Freya. Francesca and Giuseppe would also celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary together.

Although she had several health challenges along the way, she always seemed to overcome them with courage and determination. Unfortunately and unexpectedly she was unable to conquer her last challenge. She passed from pneumonia, with her entire family lovingly by her side.

Francesca leaves her family with a simple, yet profound value system; Be kind, caring and giving to all. Always take care of your family, but welcome everyone to our dinner table and treat them like family.

Rest in peace Mom-Nonna