Obituary of Carmela Torjan

Carmela Torjan of Calgary, beloved wife of the Late Rudy Torjan, passed away on Friday, February 29, 2008 at the age of 78. Carmela was born in Fiume, Italy on January 4, 1930, arriving in Canada at Pier 21 in Halifax on December 6, 1951. Carmela was well recognized for her ?mani d?oro? (hands of gold), whether she was designing shoes in Italy, sewing for the Salvation Army Children?s Home, or creating special gifts for her grandchildren. She was a loving, gentle soul, confidante, special friend to many and always had time to listen and share her warm and comforting smile. A truly special woman who died on February 29, a leap year, because a regular, ordinary day just wouldn?t do. Carmela is survived by her children, Joyce (Luigi) De Somma, Janet (Howie) Desireau, John (Mannon) Torjan, and Ralph Torjan; her grandchildren, Marcus, Michael, Elisea, Carmela, Maria-Giovanna, and Mackenzie; brother, Roy Citro and his wife Aida; sister-in-law Vittoria Citro; niece Elisabeth Citro; as well as numerous other relatives in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Carmela was predeceased by her sister, Rina Archetti and her brothers Sandro and Tony Citro. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY?S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church (5504 – 20th Street S.W.) Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen?s Park Mausoleum. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Special thanks to Dr. Brzeski for his care and compassion over the years and also the staff of Unit 72 and ICU at the Rockyview General Hospital. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor?s choice. In living memory of Carmela Torjan, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.