MARIA LUISA ALBI

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MARIA LUISA ALBI (nee MATTEIS) Peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, surrounded by her family, Maria Luisa Albi crossed over into the afterlife. Old age is a blessing from God and we should never be afraid of aging. Maria embraced feeling youthful at every age of her life. She was a devout Catholic and greeted all with respect and kindness. She possessed a gentle nature and when she looked at you her eyes sparkled. Maria was born in Malito, Italy on September 3, 1921. She was born to Innocenza Pate and Pietro Matteis. She was the second of four children and is survived by her sister Ida; siblings Chiarina, and Giovanni predeceased her. She immigrated to Canada in 1954 and raised her daughter as a single parent, this said volumes about her character, determination, courage and strength. She arrived in Winnipeg and rented part of a home on Young Street. Her first occupation in Canada was at "Sterling Cloak" where she worked as a seamstress specializing in tailoring and fine detailing of garments. Maria had a very special relationship with her daughter Teresa and considered her grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews to be her pride and joy. She enjoyed spending as much time with her loved ones as possible and it was not uncommon to see them running around her kitchen while she cooked up rigatoni al forno, fried eggs and many other childhood favourites. The bond between her and her daughter was a very special one. She took great pride in being a family person and her incredible relationship with her daughter lasted a lifetime, literally nearing 100 years on earth, she spent all her days with Teresa and never left her side. She lived with Teresa and her husband Emilio and three sons Frank, Mario and Paul. Maria lived her life with faith, grace and warmth. Her grandsons held her in high esteem and were besotted by their "Mama Maria". She was like a second mother to them. Maria's family was incredibly fortunate to have her in their lives. She served as not only a nurturer but a mentor and role model for goodness. She could be remembered as having great pride for a clean home and her passion for regional Italian cuisine that she generously shared with others. Today we celebrate Maria's devotion to her family and her presence for all her days and contribution to the community and others. She was a woman of grace and distinction and carried herself with a tremendous amount of class and elegance. Maria strongly contributed to her family, friends and to her community. She was well liked in the church, had a strong belief in God and the Roman Catholic Faith. Maria regularly donated money to orphanages in Italy and had a deep fondness in her heart for children. Her kindness extended to great lengths, subsequently transcending boundaries and impacting many. She is remembered by her daughter Teresa Nucci (Emilio), Frank Nucci (deceased), Mario Nucci, Antonio Paulo Nucci (Gary), great-grandson Michael Nucci (Danielle), Michelle Young (mother of Michael Nucci), Nathalie Levesque (widow of Frank Nucci); nieces and nephews: Vince Deluca (Rayleen), Tony Deluca (Ana), Carol Jackie Deluca, Franco Bombino (Raffaela), Jennie Matteis, and Peter Matteis (Joelle). Maria is also remembered by numerous grandnieces and grandnephews: Adrianna Humble (Tom), Elena Daase (Justin), Michael Deluca (Samantha Holly), Troy Deluca (Sue), Trevor Deluca (Jenn), John Bellino (Jennifer), Joey Bellino (Jenifer), and Maria Brandstrom (Anders). We also wish to extend a warm and special acknowledgement to family members: Maria and Mike Pepe, Emile Nucci, Barry, Tannis and Kyle Ho, Carole Levesque (sister-in-law to Frank Nucci), Giuseppe Bellino (deceased) and Rosetta Nucci, as well as the many children of all of her nieces, nephews, numerous friends and family members that meant so very much to her. The family would like to extend a warm thank you to the staff of Tuxedo Villa Extendicare Facility who cared for Maria, attended to her through her transition and lovingly referred to her as "Mama". Viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 510 River Ave. Followed by the mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. also in Holy Rosary Church. Private family entombment to follow. Riposa In Pace. E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2017