ANNA PROVINCIANO (COLISTRO)

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ANNA PROVINCIANO (nee COLISTRO) Our loving mother and grandmother Anna left this world on May 10, 2013. Anna will be loved and missed forever by her daughter Camilla (husband Frank) and granddaughter Rachel, and sons Frank and Michael. She also leaves to mourn her family in Kamloops: sister Maria (and Armando), brother Charlie (and Maria), and brother Joe; as well as many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews in Kamloops and Winnipeg. Anna was predeceased by her loving husband Rocky in 2009. Ma: please tell Dad we love him more than ever and miss him so much, our only comfort is that you are together again. Anna met the love of her life, Rocky, in 1963 and married just a year after on February 15, 1964. They had three children together: Camilla, their first born and Anna's partner in crime, and shortly after their two amazing twin boys: Frank and Michael. Anna told us that the best thing that happened in her life was when her granddaughter Rachel was born. Anna loved and doted on her, they were always very close, and they cared for and trusted each other very much. Anna was born on May 24, 1935 in the small town of Grimaldi, in southern Italy. Her parents were Michele and Rosa Colistro. Her mother passed when Anna was only 17. Anna came to Canada on board the MS Saturnia to start her new life. She had a wonderful Auntie Christina, who stepped in and was like her second mother. The two worked together in a sewing factory, speaking hardly any English. Anna learned English by watching television shows, while trying to adapt to her new life in Canada. Her mother-in-law and father-in-law Camilla and Frank Provinciano aided her in this feat, always comforting her, especially as she struggled with taking care of her husband Rocky who struggled with health issues. Ma was an exceptional woman who worked hard all her life. After the sewing factory, she worked at several restaurants, and eventually came to be the Queen of the Kitchen for 32 years at the Great-West Life cafeteria. Anna loved working there, so much so that she worked until April of last year, when she was almost 77 years young. She worked very hard and made many friends over the years. Our family would like to thank everyone at Great-West Life who provided friendship and support to Anna. Anna loved cooking at home as well, making gourmet Italian meals for her family, especially her Christmas Eve feasts. Anna's other passions included plants, gardening, bingo, adventuring to garage sales with her daughter, and going to car auctions and many other outings with her sons. Anna also adored her pets. She had many pets, the last ones being Pearl and CoCo whom, when Rocky passed, comforted and loved her. CoCo was her best friend and was completely loyal to her, never leaving her side, especially these past months when she was sick. Anna was an ageless and creative soul. She listened, loved and cared deeply for everyone who crossed her path. She was our shoulder to cry on, and was the strongest and most courageous woman you could meet. She soldiered on through all the hard times, health issues and always did her best for her family every day of her life. We will keep you in our hearts until our last breath, and beyond: we love you Ma, Nanny, you will be forever in our hearts. Give our love and big hugs and kisses to Dad for us. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass on Friday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Parish Church, 510 River Road with Fr. Sam Argenziano as the Celebrant. Interment will take place in St. Vital Cemetery. Our family would like to thank friends and family who were able to visit Anna at the St. Boniface Hospital these past three months. We would also like to thank the 4th floor staff at the Hospital who were so helpful to Anna. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, please donate to either the Winnipeg Humane Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2013