Obituary of Maria Di Palma-Olenick

June 22, 1938 - Arce, Italy
February 10, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Olenick (nee Quattrucci) on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the age of 83 years.
 
Maria was born in Arce, Italy, on June 22, 1938, to Guido and Concetta Quattrucci along with three brothers Giuseppi, Mario, and Tomasino, and two sisters, Assunta, and Ida. Maria and Angelo Di Palma were married in Arce, Italy, January 1955 and together immigrated to Canada in April 1958. Two sick and hungry weeks by sea, and one by train from Halifax to Calgary, was the beginning of many sacrifices and where they started their family. Maria worked hard day and night cleaning offices and then went to school to learn English and become a hairdresser to make a better life for her family. Mom and Dan were married on August 7, 1993, in Calgary, AB; they were together for thirty years.
 
Maria loved her career as a stylist and was talented and successful, owning two salons, and working long hours, six days a week. Many of her clients became good friends and some travelled from out of town to get to her. She loved to travel to hot sunny destinations, enjoyed getting dressed up for a night out dancing, and planting beautiful roses in her garden. The biggest joy in her life was her family. Nothing made Nonna happier than Sunday dinners at her place with all her grandkids around the table. Maria dedicated her whole life for the well being of her family. 

Maria is survived by her two sons and their families, Marcel Di Palma (Lorena), and Bruno Di Palma (Annette); her pride and joy five grandchildren, Michaella, Isabella, Antonella, Matthew, and Nicholas. Maria is also survived by her sisters, sister-in-law Maria Quattrucci, husband Dan Olenick; as well as many nieces and nephews in Calgary, Italy, and Australia, who she adored. Maria is predeceased by her parents and brothers, as well as her day-old newborn son, Michael, twin brother of Marcel. 
 
Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary AB) on, Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Please note that the time of the service has changed to 4:30 p.m. from the time previously published in the Saturday, February 12 edition of the Calgary Herald, which was 12:00 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Olenick’s service streamed live on the day of the service (see below). For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed here.

The family, and on Mom’s behalf, wish to express our greatest appreciation for the caring and compassionate dedication of the people at Wentworth Manor. The team there did everything in their power to provide quality in life and respect in death, and for that we are eternally grateful.

In living memory of Maria Di Palma Olenick, 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.

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