Mom was born in Commune di Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy to Annunziato Mazzei and Elisabetta Spizziri. The 3rd eldest of 11 brothers and sisters she worked tirelessly on the family farm while helping her mother raise her younger siblings.
Mom made the harrowing trip from her motherland to Canada at a very young age seeking a better future for herself and to start a new chapter of her life with our father Martino. It of course did not come without its many challenges particularly in the earlier days, however in her true fashion she took those challenges head on with resilience, humility and resolve.
Mom’s passion was her family - particularly her 4 boys and later on, her grandchildren. She was the voice and centre of our family - our defender, our cheerleader, our counsellor and our teacher. One of many things she told us was to always be true to ourselves and to respect and love one another.
Moms other passion was cooking and entertaining for her family and friends. Visits always resulted in a full table of delights within minutes. She took pride in keeping an impeccably clean home and loved welcoming friends and family to our home.
While we know her last few years were getting tough for mom she remained determined as ever to continue being here with us all - her beloved family and friends.
Left to mourn mom is her loving husband of 59 years Martino, children Frank (Shannon), Nuccio (Patricia), Piero, and Chris (Meghan); grandchildren Brian (Sophia), Victoria (Marcel), Amy, Marco, Benjamin, Nicholas, Caiden and great grandchild Brock.
Also left to mourn are her brothers and sisters in Italy, various brother and sister in-laws, and nephews and nieces in Italy and Canada.
Mom is predeceased by her parents Annunziato and Elisabetta, and various sister and brother in-laws in Italy and Canada.
Viewing to be held at 9 am, Thursday, September 28th, at Our Lady of Good Hope Church, in Hope, BC, followed by Christian Mass at 10 am. Interment to follow at Gardens of Gesthemani Catholic Cemetery in Surrey at 2:30 pm. Father Dennis Flores presiding.
We wish to extend our sincerest thanks to Dr. Stefan Patrascau and the nursing staff at Fraser Canyon Hospital and the ICU staff at Chilliwack General Hospital for their attentive care to mom particularly these past months.
In lieu of flowers we would ask that you donate to the Fraser Canyon Hospital Auxiliary, the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Association of BC in mom’s name.
Mamma. Ti vogliamo un mondo di bene e rimane nei nostri cuori per eternita.
