Obituary of Giuseppina Pina PENZO

May 19, 1939 – December 9, 2011 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved mother and nonna, Giuseppina (Pina) Penzo on Friday, December 9, 2011 at the age of 72 years. Giuseppina was born in Cerealto, Valdagno, Vicenza, Italy and immigrated to Calgary on April 15, 1965 with her husband. Together they worked and made a life in Canada surrounded by their three children and many friends. After Gerry passed, she devoted her life to her grandchildren. She often called Tyler, her first born grandson, her life saviour who helped her get through the bad times without Gerry. She helped raise four grandchildren and took pleasure in volunteering at their pre-schools and schools where she became known as everyone’s Nonna among all the children; many still called her Nonna as they got older. Her family was her life and she enjoyed nothing better than to get together for family dinners and cook everyone’s favourite meals like gnocchi, polenta and chicken cacciatore. She loved listening to her Italian songs at the family gatherings and often danced to her favourite tunes. Pina was very active in her church, St. Albert the Great, and was a member of the CWL. She took great satisfaction in volunteering her time at mass services and church functions and always had a smile and kind word for everyone. She also volunteered at Heritage Park in recent months where she was proudly able to display her talents as a seamstress and clothes presser. Pina enjoyed ballroom dancing and was an active member and volunteer at the Minus One dance club where she would often meet with friends for a night of socializing, music and dancing. She had a big heart and was always ready to do anything for anyone. She will be forever remembered and sadly missed by her daughter Paula Van Voorene (Warren); sons Robert Penzo (Sheila) and John Penzo (Lisa); and her six beloved grandchildren, Tyler, Krysta, Jordan, Emily, Michael and Nathan. She will also be missed by her “adopted” grandchildren Jenn and Jenna; sister Fiorinda; many nieces and nephews; and by so many friends and acquaintances. She was predeceased by Gerry, her husband and love of her life, on July 25, 1990, by her parents and one sister. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church (10 Prestwick Dr. S.E.) on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Giuseppina Penzo, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.