Obituary of Giuseppina OLIVERIO (nee Bitonti)

February 23, 1923 – San Giovanni in Fiore, Italy
March 23, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta    

With infinite love the family announces that our cherished mother and grandmother, Giuseppina, left us peacefully after a long and beautiful life on Monday, March 23, 2020 at the profound age of 97.

Giuseppina had a heart of gold and an honest soul. Her kindness, generosity and laughter warmed the heart of everyone she knew, especially her family. First and foremost, Giuseppina was a dedicated mother; she treasured every moment with her children, whether in person or over the phone - as did they. Her motherly dedication extended to her grandchildren, who adored, and will always adore her. She also loved being a Zia to her many nieces and nephews. We will all miss our Mamma, Nonna, Zia Peppina so very much and will keep her bright spirit alive reminiscing about all the wonderful memories we shared with her.

Giuseppina was an excellent cook and was famous for everything she made, especially her homemade bread, pizza, donuts, pit'impiglianta, gnocchi, lasagna, cappelletti con brodo, the list goes on and on. She prepared all of her food with so much love, and it was all absolutely delicious and will forever be missed. Being the heart of our family, along with her passions for caring for her family and preparing food for us, made for countless unforgettable family gatherings; having her house full of family to surround her and the sound of music and laughter brought her so much joy.

With all of her life experiences: working on the farm in Italy as a young girl; to raising her seven children and caring for her aging father and mother-in-law while her husband was working abroad; to immigrating to Calgary with her husband and family on June 7, 1967 so that her children could have a better life; these experiences gave her so much wisdom to share and guide us all through life.

Giuseppina is survived by her children, Teresa Mele (Biagio), Antonio Oliverio (Tina), Maria Teresa Guastalla (Giovanni), Caterina Campagna (Antonio), Francesca Campanelli (Pietro), Francesco Oliverio (Antonietta), and son-in-law Denny Paccagnan; along with sixteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren (with two more due this year); and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother Serafino Bitonti (Caterina), and sisters-in-law, Angela Bitonti and Barbara Bitonti. Giuseppina was predeceased by her husband Bernardo in February 2001; beloved daughter Giovanna in April 2017; her brothers, Giovanni Bitonti (Maria), Vincenzo Bitonti, Salvatore Bitonti; and sisters Filomena Mazzei (Giovanni) and Caterina Marasco (Francesco).

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic please pray for Giuseppina from your home. A private Funeral Service will be held for immediate family only. Condolences may be shared on Giuseppina’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. Once public gathering restrictions are over the family will arrange a memorial Mass.

The family would like to thank Alberta Health Services and Bayshore Home Health Services for their support and care over the years, and the staff at Foothills Medical Centre Unit 32 for their care of our beloved mother and nonna while in hospital in her last days.
 
In living memory of Giuseppina Oliverio, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB, T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044