Obituary of De Fazio

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother on Wednesday, February 13, 2007 at the age of 84. She was born on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1922 in Monteforte Irpino, Avellino, Italy and immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada on a cold day on January 8, 1966. A kind hearted, strong and deeply spiritual woman, who would literally give her shirt off her back to anyone, she put everyone’s needs ahead of her own. She left school at a very young age because she understood and gracefully accepted that her life’s purpose was to be a caregiver. Born second and first female of eleven brothers and sisters during times of war and depression was a great challenge that she undertook and by the grace of God she successfully managed. Her selflessness was tested over again raising and moving five children to Canada with just a few trunks filled with clothes and pots and pans. When we all wanted to move back to Italy because of the bitter cold weather, she would reassure us that God would guide us through this journey and a great bowl of her homemade soup always made it even better. We thank you for making us good and successful people. Yet again, she was called upon to help nurture her five grandchildren, Ivana Tuff, Jordan De Fazio, Matthew McNevin, Brett McNevin, Benjamin Cook and one great grandchild Vanessa Tuff. She made sure these children had everything they wanted; their wish was her desire. They will always treasure the poems she would tell them and the hugs and kisses she would give them. You have already made them successful and we know with the help of God, if they need anything in there lives, you will continue to be there for them. Her greatest sadness was the loss of her beloved husband of fifty-five years, Antonio De Fazio on March 23, 2002. Mother, we promised Father that we would take good care of you. We tried to fill the enormous void in your heart and life. We tried to be that rock like Father was for you. I know that many times we crumbled and failed. For that mother, we truly apologize. It gives us tremendous joy that she has once again reunited with the only love of her life. We know you will both be eternally happy and we look forward to joining you at the dinner table once again. Mother, Our memories of you will always be cherished in our hearts. You will always be loved and never forgotten. Pasqualina is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters and friends in Calgary, Italy, Montreal and Toronto. The family extends their deepest appreciation to all her caregivers at the Peter Lougheed Centre (Unit 43). Words cannot describe the professionalism and compassion that you have given us in the final times of our Mother’s life. It makes us very emotional when we reflect upon how everyone had gone beyond their call of duty. To her long time friends and neighbors Mr. and Mrs. P. Stanislav and Mrs. L. Vickers, thank you for watching over our mother. To her good friend Mrs. Teresa Lobello for always visiting and bringing our Mother some delicious treat. A special thanks goes to Mr. and Mrs. Vincenzo and Anna Mandaione for the respect and joy that you brought with every telephone call. You are all the best. At the insistence and firm wishes of Pasqualina De Fazio, a private service will be held. We are very sorry but we must honour her specific wish. The family feels very torn, but we know that her friends will understand and respect this decision. If you so desire, memorial tributes can be made in her memory. To honor one strong woman to another, her daughter Ines McNevin who successfully battled cancer twenty-two years ago and this month has become a Breast Cancer Survivor. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If you are fortunate enough to have known or encountered Pasqualina or Ines, it is easy to understand that they are indeed very special women. Our mother’s selflessness showed for the last time at the very end of her life by expressing to us with gentle tears in her eyes that her final wish was we continue to support Ines and keep her in our prayers. Mother, that promise will never be broken. In living memory of Pasqualina De Fazio, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.