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Obituary of Silvia Raffin
September 12, 1921 - S. Giorgio della Richinvelda, Pordenone, Italy
July 21, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother (Nonna) and great-grandmother, Silvia Raffin.
Born Silvia Bortolussi on September 12, 1921, in the small town of Domanins, Italy, located in the greater municipality of San Giorgio della Richinvelda, she grew up in the Friuli region of Italy. At the age of 18, shortly before the second world war started, she met the love of her life (our father) Guerino. They married after Dad returned from the war and then moved to Milan where our sister Nadia was born. The following year they immigrated to Canada, to the harsh coal mining town of Nordegg, Alberta. Dad was a cabinet maker by trade but being a new immigrant needed to take a job as a coal miner. Mom had many stories of their life living in a tiny company cabin in this small coal mining hamlet and what a contrast it was after living in Milan. She recounted these experiences not with sadness but with a sense of humour which was quite typical of her. Fortunately (as Mom would say) they left Nordegg less than a year after having arrived and settled in Calgary where we were born and raised, and where Mom and Dad lived for the remainder of their lives.
Always generous with her time and love, Mom was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and believed in raising children with an honest view of themselves. She was a wonderful cook, creating many of her own recipes, and enjoyed preparing elaborate meals for her family. Sewing was also one of her talents which gave her much gratification, and she even had a brief career working as a professional seamstress. She was an avid lover of gardening and geraniums, and later in life even dabbled in painting. Mom took care to do her best in whatever the task was, a value she instilled in all of us. Before dad passed away, they enjoyed traveling together, often with friends, and visited Italy, Hawaii, and other parts of the US. After Dad died Mom carried on and lived as independently as possible in the family home for another 26 years. She continued to make family her priority, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, always available to care for them if needed.
Diminutive in size but strong in character, our mother impressed everyone that she met or knew with her kindness, compassion and authenticity. She saw the good in people but was not naive. She had self-respect, would speak her mind and advocate for herself but was also open-minded to the opinion and perspective of others. She had a sharp wit and her wisdom was often expressed through her favorite Italian proverbs.
Mom faced difficulties and great losses in her life but never allowed these to define her or crush her spirit. She was not one to live in the past or succumb to self-pity. She was pragmatic, facing life with courage, optimism, and a sense of humour, and so taught us the importance of tackling adversity with strength and dignity and completing a task or journey once started.
Predeceased by her husband (our father) in 1988 shortly after their 40th wedding anniversary, her daughter (our sister) Nadia’s tragic death in France in 1970; her brother, Vito (2001); and sisters, Cesira (2003) and Pompea (2017). She is survived by her children, Robert (Judy), Frank (Kim) and Lorraine; her grandchildren, Xanthe (Kris), Cressida (Wyatt), Ryan (Leigh), Thomas, Daniel, and Nigel; as well as her great-grandchildren Xander, Raine, Van and Georgia.
Your love, life and guidance have been an inspiration to us all, Mom. Although we carry on without you, your spirit will always be with us.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow in the church hall immediately following the funeral. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in memory of Silvia may be made directly to a charity of their choice.
In living memory of Silvia Raffin, 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.
