Rita Susin

Rita Susin passed away peacefully in Burnaby on July 5th, 2011. She was pre-deceased by her husband Rino on November 18, 2010. Rita started her life 'nei Campi di San Gaetano' in Treviso, Italy. Sadly, at age 12 she lost her mother. Marrying Rino after the war she moved in with his family and worked the land daily while raising 4 children. In 1958 the farm girl that had never been beyond the town gates, packed up her 4 children and crossed the Atlantic alone, by ship, to meet up with her husband who had left 2 years earlier to work in Canada. From Halifax to Vancouver, with no English, only a destination on a piece of paper and blind faith in her man, her CN train rolled westward with 2 kids under each arm. This is the essence of Rita ' quiet courage, determined resilience, unconditional love and belief in her family. Settling in Vancouver's East End, the family all became increasingly active in the Italian community after being embraced by them with incredible friendship and love. Working full time for many years, Rita juggled a full house of now 5 children, with the arrival of the youngest. Nurturing, caring, always welcoming, Rita created a wonderfully busy home of kids and friends, filled with love and values. She was her own lady ' independent and individual. Her quiet poise, selfless kindness, never an unkind word, and non-judgemental style was an inspiration to her children and others. She nurtured with love both her family and her beloved flowers. She baked legendary cakes and biscotti. She made wicked lasagna, risotto and Tiramisu. Dad's wild mushrooms and radicchio on the stove in winter were legendary with her Sunday roasts, always on time after the morning Mass. She canned and she cooked, she loved her sports and those 'poveri' Canucks. She knitted slippers and colourful blankets, reattached every fallen button and turned up the music for the 'Trevisani nel Mondo' choir. She loved her evening Mass on TV and Sister Angelica on Tuesdays, but most of all she loved her grandchildren. Everyone got their envelope from Nonna on their special day. Bocci at Confederation park with friends, summer holidays in Penticton and travels around the world, weekly card nights with the gang, telephone chats with the girlfriends and family in Europe ' life was full and rich to her very last day. Rita loved hot summer days, with her Diadora beanie hat on her head, and dinner from the garden on the back porch, followed by her favorite moment of the day; coffee with Sambuca and cake, over slow conversation with Rino and family and friends. Three years ago an angel knocked on her door ' Louise, who brought laughter, joy, friendship, love and much fun into Rita's life. The movie of this unlikely wonderful frienship will be out soon. Rita was a blessing and a gift to her family and friends. She was cared for and loved in return by her children and spouses: Sergio + Debbie, Ferruccio + Rosa, Fiorenza + Winston, Livio + Jane, Marisa + Anthony. And her 9 grandchildren who adore their Nonna: Scott, Darren, Shandell, Ferruccio Jr, Sonia, Devin, Andre, Devante and Vanessa. Cousins Angelo, Anna, Giovanni and Sabrina all shared in the light she shined. Rita's life was rich and full ' an inspiration. She left a proud legacy of friends and family in her new adopted Canada. Pretty good and Well Done for a farm girl from Italia. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday July 11, at 10 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church 525 S. Slocan St. Vancouver followed by entombment at Ocean View Burial Park, Burnaby, BC. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com