ROSARIA ALBI (AMANTEA) -

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ROSARIA ALBI (nee AMANTEA) 1921 - 2014 After a brief illness, Rosaria Albi, 92 years old, passed away peacefully on January 28. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank R. Albi, stepdaughter Rosemary, stepson Raymond, and stepgrandson Guy. Left to mourn her are stepson Wilfred, his wife Marjorie and their children Andrea (Brent) and Christopher; daughter-in-law Zoe and her daughter Christina (Steve); stepson Frank, his wife Elaine and their children Frank (Ros) and Carla (Paul); and great-grandchildren Corbin, Zayne, Frankie, Hannah, Max, Liam, Lauren and Ashley. In Cosenza, Italy, she will be missed by her dear friend Rita Anselmo, whose annual visits to Winnipeg brought Rosaria much comfort and happiness. Rosaria was born in 1921 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Giuseppe and Delia Amantea. An only child, she experienced hardship in the early 1930s when her mother died after a lengthy illness. Wanting the best for Rosaria, her father, a foreman of railway crews in northern Ontario, sent her to live in his native town of Grimaldi in southern Italy. She arrived in 1933, to live with her uncle, the local priest. She adapted well to her new community and life in Italy. Her fluency in English and high Italian and first-hand knowledge of Canada made her a valued and respected citizen in Grimaldi. Her life took a wondrous turn in the early 1960s. Frank Albi, a widower from Winnipeg and successful businessman, returned to the village of his birth where he met Rosaria. In 1964 they married in Italy, sailed by ocean liner to New York, and took up residence in Winnipeg. She was devoted to her husband Frank, caring for him lovingly until his death in 1988 at the age of 91. She remained at 673 Wolseley Ave. with her stepdaughter and best friend Rose, always welcoming family and many friends for traditional Italian meals and casual visits. It was especially difficult for her when dear Auntie Rose passed away in 2007. Rosaria lived her final years at The Wellington in Charleswood, still able to care for herself without too much assistance until a few weeks before her passing. Throughout her life, Rosaria was bolstered by her deep Catholic faith. A very intelligent woman, she was a joy to engage in conversation. She enjoyed reading and was quite proud of her tomato, basil and vegetable garden. She constantly followed the latest news of the royal family and could hold her own on any current event. For many years she worked in the shoe department of The Bay, where she met many friends. Despite the afflictions of age, her mind and spirit were lively until the end. God Bless and may her soul rest in peace. The family wishes to thank Zoe for her constant care throughout the years. The family thanks the doctors and nurses of St. Boniface Hospital and Dr. Kevin Coates of St. Boniface Clinic for their kindness and professionalism. In addition, a heartfelt embrace to Nurse Tracy Benediktson and her colleagues of 6A Medicine for their amazing warmth and grace. Cremation has taken place and all arrangements are entrusted to Mosaic Funeral. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 7, 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River Ave. The burial will take place later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, C1026-409 Taché Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. For online condolences, more information or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 1006 Nairn Ave. 204-275-5555

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2014