Obituary of Geraldine APUZZA (nee MARRA)

September 9, 1940 – Forino Avellino, Italy

February 26, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Geraldine Apuzza, beloved wife of Gerardo Apuzza, of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the age of 79 years.

Geraldine was born in Forino Avellino, Italy on September 9, 1940. She immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1955. Geraldine married Gerardo December 26, 1959. She had a passion for cooking for her family, gardening, and traveling. She loved her family, especially her two grandchildren, Adam and Kelsey, with all her heart. She enjoyed family dinners at home and Boston Pizza, going to Starbucks for coffee, or her favourite place, Nellie’s on 90th for blueberry pancakes. Because of Geraldine’s out-going personality everyone at the restaurants always remembered her. She also enjoyed her time at That’s Amore Restaurant, baking desserts, making salads, and, of course, her famous Bruschetta. She was known to all as "Momma Amore". She will be most remembered for her smile, laugh and feisty attitude, and her love of mai tai’s and a good glass of wine.

Geraldine fought a fierce battle with Alzheimer’s; we saw her quickly fade away from us. We were all devastated at what this disease did to her in a short period of time.

Besides her loving husband Gerardo, Geraldine is survived by her daughter Tina (Curtis) Neale; and grandchildren, Adam and Kelsey Neale; and her sons, Carlo (Luna) Apuzza and Terry Apuzza. She is also survived by her brothers, Fiori (Gloria) Marra and Fulvio (Laura) Marra, all of Calgary; sisters, Maria Lombardo of Calgary and Anna (Guido) Urciuoli of Vancouver; sister-in-law Antoinetta Marra; as well as several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles in Canada and Italy. Geraldine was predeceased by her parents, Adelina and Carmine Marra; her brother Orazio Marra; and her brother-in-law Gerry Lombardo.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church (Corner of 4th Street & Northmount Drive NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Reception to follow at the Parish Hall. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Geraldine’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. We would like to thank Dr. Sechdeva, Dr. Hall, and the nurses and staff on units 72 and 56 at the Rockyview Hospital for all their tremendous care.

In living memory of Geraldine Apuzza, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.