Maria Teresa (Rocca) Vander Velden

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Nana, Nonna, Great-grandmother, and Aunt—Maria Teresa (née Rocca) Vander Velden. Maria passed away on November 14, 2024, with her daughter by her side, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Adrian (Heather) Vander-Velden and Carolyn (Wayne) Chorneychuk; her grandchildren, Michelle (Jason) MacNeil, Liam, and Natalya Chorneychuk; and her great-granddaughter, Gabriella MacNeil.

She leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Ippolita (Pauline) Rocca, Maria Rocca, Averil Van Der Velden, and Leonie van den Heuvel, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Maria was predeceased by her parents, Pietro Rocca and Marianna Pirritano; her husband, Petrus (Pete) Vander Velden (June 2013); her sister, Angela Greto; her brothers, Pasquale (Pat) and Giuseppe (Joe) Rocca; her brothers-in-law, Giuseppe (Joe) Greto, Martien (Martin), Marcus (Max), Theodore (Ted), and Cornelius (Cory) van der Velden, and Theo van den Heuvel; her sisters-in-law, Annie and Jeanne van der Velden; and her nieces, Bianca van der Velden and Linda Rocca.

Maria was born in Cortale, Italy. She immigrated to Lytton, BC, Canada, with her mother and siblings in 1950 to reunite with their father. As a 10-year-old, it was intimidating for her to start school in Canada without speaking any English. However, with her brother Joe by her side, she adapted well, made friends, joined groups, and enjoyed her time as a cheerleader. Maria married her husband Petrus in 1958. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years as her husband’s career moved them around the province of BC. They eventually settled in Kamloops, near Maria’s family, in 1981.

Maria had a great love for her family. She enjoyed raising her children and was openly proud of their accomplishments. She was a gracious mother-in-law, warmly welcoming Adrian and Carolyn’s spouses into the family. She was delighted to have grandchildren and cherished every moment she spent with them. Maria and Pete shared a love of travel, embarking on numerous trips to Europe, Australia, the USA, Mexico, and Vietnam. Maria worked in the restaurant at The Hudson Bay Company in Prince George for many years. She and Pete proudly became Canadian citizens in 1967.

Maria was a breast cancer survivor and actively canvassed for the Cancer Society before and after her diagnosis. Maria and Pete were married for 55 years until Pete’s passing in 2013. She maintained close contact with family and friends, traveled, and enjoyed attending the theatre and events at her assisted living complex. In 2015, Maria was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She remained active for a few more years until she moved into long-term care in 2020.

We wish to thank family and friends for their part in Maria’s life. Many visited and kept in touch long after her diagnosis, and their kindness enriched her life. Special thanks to the staff at The Hamlets at Westsyde, who made Maria’s remaining years comfortable, and to Dr. Cribb for her exceptional care.

Donations in Maria’s honor may be made to either the BC Cancer Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

Prayers will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 8:00 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral (255 Nicola Street, Kamloops).

A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Friday, November 22, 2024, at 12:30 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral (255 Nicola Street, Kamloops), with interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery (750 Notre Dame Drive, Kamloops).

Following the interment service at the cemetery, friends and family are invited for a reception at Schoening Funeral Service Tea Room (513 Seymour Street, Kamloops).

All services will be livestreamed and can be viewed via the following link: https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/99960

All funeral arrangements are entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service.