Maddalena De Cesare

Mom passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family Sunday Oct 6 at the young age of 97. Predeceased by her lifelong love, husband Donato, sister Maria, brothers Antonio, Giuseppe & Luigi. Sister--in-laws Carmela & Filomena, & nephew, John.

Maddalena was born in Sepino, Campobasso, Italy. Her childhood and younger years were spent on the family farm. She married in 1955, and in 1958 travelled to Canada to fulfill their dreams.

Mom will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her daughters Gina (Richard) & Lina (Carmelo), her grandchildren Wesley, Matthew (Tracey), Alexander (Natalie), & great-grandchildren Kensley and Bowen and many friends, cousins, nieces & nephews in Canada and Italy.

Maddalena was affectionately known as “Mom” by friends and later years as “Nonna” by all. Her role as wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother was what she valued the most. Spending time with her family as well as her friends is what brought her joy. Offering a cup of coffee and something to eat was the first order when you walked in her door. Her legacy to us was her incredible strength in overcoming adversity, the biggest loss being the sudden passing of her husband 33 years ago. Through it all, her love and care for family remained her focus. She was able to show that love to us in so many ways. Love you forever, we miss you already. Ti amo per sempre.

Viewing will be at Ocean View on Tuesday Oct. 15 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. A Catholic Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16 at 11:00 am, at Holy Cross Parish (1450 Delta Avenue, Burnaby BC). Entombment at Ocean View Burial Park, with reception to follow at the funeral home (4000 Imperial St., Burnaby BC).