"The opportunity to serve" is the highest compliment McInnis & Holloway could receive.
Phone: 403-243-8200
Text: 403-256-9575
Obituary of Anna CRACCO (nee Gelsolini)
November 20, 1928 – Arzignano, Italy
July 27, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta
The family of Anna Cracco, of Calgary, AB, is sad to announce her passing on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the age of 92 years.
Anna was born in Arzignano, Italy on November 20, 1928. She immigrated to Calgary, AB, in 1958 and married Arnaldo (Rino) Cracco in December of 1958. Together they raised their three children making many cherished memories that were filled with love and laughter throughout the years. They were married for nearly fifty years until Rino’s passing in March of 2008.
Anna was known for her great love of cooking. She was an amazing cook and you never left her table hungry. If you were fortunate enough to have tried her chicken cacciatore with polenta (polenta e poccio) or her pan roasted rabbit with tortellini soup or her handmade gnocchi you would know how marvellous she really was. It was truly a special time whenever the grandkids would come over and be treated to Anna’s pasta or spaghetti, usually served as a three-course meal. Her grandson Justin’s talent in the kitchen were undoubtedly influenced by his Nonna’s special gift. Anna also had a passion for knitting. She knitted all of her own tops without ever using a pattern. She was never one to keep her hands idle, and she would spend hours crocheting doilies, tablecloths and bedspreads all the while watching TV and flipping through the channels. Even though her English was limited, she would give you her very creative rendition of what was happening on at least three channels.
Anna was a handsome woman and always liked to look her best. She would never venture out unless her hair was done and her lipstick was on. Anna always coloured her own hair, she loved red but could never quite find the right shade so she would often mix her own. She knew many shades of red and even orange on one memorable occasion, many laughs were shared over that special shade reminiscent of a pumpkin.
Anna will also be remembered for her green thumb and took great pride in her clematis and flower beds. She also had a love of birds and animals, big and small, unless they smelled and then you would hear her yelling ‘spusson’ while plugging her nose. Her family was her greatest treasure, she loved and adored all of her grandchildren and they gave her much joy.
Anna is survived by her eldest son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Debbie; and their children, Gino and Diazhra; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Lorne; and their children Christina and Justin (fiancé Marika); and her youngest son George and daughter-in-law Elizabeth; and their children, Massimo and Simone. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews in Italy.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Chinook Care Center for their outstanding care of Mom. She always loved it when they called her Anna Bella.
We know that our Mom is now sitting with our Dad in a garden watching over us with love. Rest in Peace and Love, Mama, Nonna, and Zia. You will be missed.
A Celebration of Anna’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the residence of George and Elizabeth Cracco. Please contact George by phone at (403) 807-0400 or by email at georgecracco@yahoo.ca for further details. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca or an animal rescue foundation of your choosing.
In living memory of Anna Cracco, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
