ELENA LONARDELLI BUCCINI (VINCENTI)

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ELENA LONARDELLI BUCCINI (nee VINCENTI) Peacefully, on May 26, 2004, with her family by her side, Elena passed away after a courageous, short battle with cancer. Elena was born on August 28, 1933 in Ferrari di Serino, Avellino (Italy). She was predeceased by her parents, Domenico and Antonietta Vincenti (Italy) her siblings, Salvatore (Montreal), Giuseppina Fiore (Italy), Margherita De Luca (Montreal) and her first husband Frank Lonardelli. Elena is survived by her second husband, Emidio Buccini; her children, Maria Abiusi (Jack), Laura Lonardelli, Angela Houldsworth (James) and Frank Lonardelli; as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Justin, Emilio, Francesca, Anastasia, Emma, Jackson and Carina. Elena immigrated to Canada in May 1962 and settled in Montreal with her siblings where she met her husband Frank Lonardelli. They were married in April 1963 and relocated to Winnipeg where she lived until her passing. Like many optimistic couples of the era, Frank and Elena began to raise a family in Winnipegs west end. Tragically, after nine years of marriage, Elena was left a widow with Franks untimely passing, leaving her to raise four young children on her own. She was determined to give her children a life of dignity and sought to do so through her determination, work ethic, and faith. Not knowing the English language and possessing few job skills, Elena entered the Canadian workforce as a nanny. This allowed her to be home when her children arrived from school and to be an active parent in her childrens lives and in her community. Over time, with her own creativity and talent, Elena established herself as one of Winnipegs most recognized authentic Italian chefs. Her career included cooking at some of Winnipegs best known Italian restaurants including Vesuvios, Goodies and Delucas, where she was one of the original cooking school instructors. In December 1997, after 26 years as a widow, Elena married an old friend, Emidio Buccini. Together, they shared a love for travelling, visiting family and friends across Canada and tending to the ever expanding vegetable garden. Moms seven years with Emidio were filled with great joy and new experiences; she learned to golf, hunt and fish and enjoyed spending several weeks each year in Hawaii. Mom and Emidio especially enjoyed their collective grandchildren who were a constant source of happiness in their lives. Elena had a strong faith background. She was one of the founding members of the Italian Pentecostal Church in Winnipeg, now known as Oasis Community Church in Charleswood. Elenas faith in God sustained her till her last days. After her brief battle with cancer, mom was taken to be with the Lord, ending her suffering. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. The family would like to thank Doctors Polimeni, Maksymiak and Garcia. Special thanks go to the wonderful and caring staff of Riverview Health Centre who took excellent care of mom and the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverview Health Centre Foundation Palliative Care Unit (1 Morley St.) or Oasis Community Church (221 Cathcart St.). Following a private family burial, a memorial service will be held at Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave St. on Monday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 29, 2004