It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Nella Maria Catena, (nee Mercurio). She passed away shortly after midnight on 9 February 2024, at the age of 89. She went peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was pre-deceased by Felice, her husband of 60 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Diana (Mike) and Norman (Angeli), her grandchildren Cory (Alanna), Dylan, Kristy (Dino), Nicola, Alanna, her great grandchildren Gia, Roman, Ava, Janiece, Kaiden and her siblings Guy (Mary), Mike (Sharon), Gabe (Ben), along with numerous relatives and friends.
Maria was born in 1935 at Francavilla al Mare, Italy, to parents Rocco and Antoinetta. She married Felice Catena in 1951 and her first child (Diana) was born in 1953. The family moved to Vancouver, Canada in 1957. Her second child (Norman) was born in 1962. She and Felice worked tirelessly to build a successful new home in Canada. She was a product of her time; tough, self-reliant and completely devoted to her family. After Felice passed, she remained in her home with the help of her wonderful aide Juliette Boneo. She later spent eight happy years at Rideau retirement home where she was a popular and enthusiastic participant in all activities including singing, dancing and particularly craft work. Her walls were covered with her art and friends and acquaintances all treasured her hand knitted dishcloths. Only a few days before her passing, she was still showing her great granddaughter, Gia, how to knit.
The family wishes to send special thanks to all those who cared for her and made her life comfortable. In her last weeks the family took turns staying with her so she was never alone. Many of the residents came to check on her throughout the day. The staff of Rideau Retirement home always went the extra mile to make her feel special and she loved them all like family. We would also like to give special thanks to the healthcare workers at the BC Cancer Agency, Fraser Health and the staff of Crossroads Hospice who made her last days and hours comfortable and pain-free.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Holy Cross Parish, 1450 Delta Avenue, Burnaby. Private family burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice. Labelled envelopes will be available at the Church.
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