CARMELA SACCO

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CARMELA SACCO (nee AIELLO) March 11, 1930 - November 30, 2016 With much love, admiration and mixed emotions, the family of Carmela Sacco announces her passing on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, surrounded by her loving family, at the Victoria General Hospital at the age of 86. Carmela was born in Amato, Calabria, Italy, to Catarina and Francesco Aiello, the youngest of six children. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Carmela is survived by her devoted sons: Cesare (Sina), Raffaele and Francesco (Genny); her adoring grandchildren: Jennifer (Hart) and Ashleigh (Dimitri); Erin, Derrick (Melissa) and Jeffrey; Stephen (Deb), Crystal (Brent) and Jennifer Sparrow; her loving brother Carmelo (Paolina); great-grandchildren, loving nieces and nephews, and caring friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her siblings: Giuseppe, Maria Masi, Andrea, and Francesco; and grandson David. From a young age, Carmela's strong will and warm heart were evident and these traits helped shape who she was for the rest of her life. In 1951, she married Antonio Sacco who immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1957 to secure work and a future for the family, and in 1963 she followed her husband with her three boys to Winnipeg. Carmela worked at Canadian Linen for over 30 years until her retirement in 1996. During those years, she divorced her husband which took an unbelievable amount of strength, and with the support of her extended family, moved with her boys to 458 Banning Street, where she lived for 35 years. As a single mother making minimum wage, she somehow managed to make sure her boys were well-fed, clothed and never wanting for anything. Carmela loved to cook. To her, food was love. The cost of ingredients was never considered, only the quality of the food. She cooked enough to feed anyone or anyone who may come over and you always went home with leftovers. She also loved to bake regularly, most often to give away to family and friends. In 2000, she moved to Villa Nova where she started a new chapter in her life. Rejuvenated after years of hard work and sacrifice, she could now relax and enjoy time with friends, playing bingo, going on outings and saying the rosary every night with fellow Villa Nova residents. Carmela was very religious and was a devoted parishioner of Holy Rosary Church, she attended mass as often as she could and had many religious pictures and artifacts in her home. Carmela had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh. She loved to tell a good story, often more than once. She spoke her mind, always stood up for herself and defended her family. She was thoughtful and caring and loved her family so much. And there wasn't a day that went by that she didn't call her boys to say hello. A funeral mass celebrating Carmela's life will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m, with Father Sam Argenziano officiating, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 510 River Ave., with viewing one hour prior. Entombment to follow at Waverly Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverly St. A reception following the entombment will be held at the Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. Riposa in Pace Mamma-Nonna E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2016