Obituary of Maria Giuseppa Di Manno

June 3, 1928 - Terelle, Italy

February 9, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Maria Giuseppa Di Manno nee Giannandrea, wife of beloved husband, Luca Di Manno passed away peacefully at home with her two loving daughters at her side, on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the age of 94 years.

Maria was born in Terelle, Italy, Province of Frosinone on June 3, 1928. Maria was one of 7 children who at a young age took care of her siblings and tended to the cooking and other household tasks. Maria was never afraid to work hard or to make sacrifices for those she loved. In order to join her childhood friend and love of her life, Luca, who she had not seen since he left Italy in 1951, Maria made the long journey on an ocean liner to Halifax. On May 9, 1953, Luca and Maria were married and made Banff their new home. Maria and Luca were married for 66 years.

Maria was a dedicated wife and mother and worked in various jobs to help make ends meet. She spent many years working at the Banff Motel as a chambermaid, and later at the Voyager Inn until she secured a position as a head housekeeper.

Becoming a Canadian citizen brought Maria much pride as did being a member of the Catholic Women's League at St. Peter’s Parish.

Maria was most proud of being a grandmother, “Nonna”, to two grandsons and two granddaughters. She was very proud of her granddaughters’ many accomplishments. Maria was also overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to Gianna Maria.

Maria had a passion for cooking and baking. She loved to welcome people into her home and to feed them large amounts of lovingly prepared home-made food. She loved the mountains and being outdoors when she wasn’t in the kitchen. Maria enjoyed gardening, crocheting, knitting, playing cards and Yahtzee, but most of all, being with her family.

Maria’s most memorable vacations were with family. She enjoyed a Princess Cruise Lines Mexican Riviera vacation with her husband, her brother, sister and their families. A trip to Disneyland with her daughter Rita and her family was well enjoyed. Other travel highlights included memorable cruises and vacations to the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii with Luca, her daughter Gina and her family.

Maria will be remembered not only for the copious amounts of food she made but for her ability to laugh and to make others laugh. Her sense of humour was infectious and made her the life of the party. Maria will be most remembered for bringing joy to the lives of others.

Maria is survived by her cherished daughters, Rita De Michele and Gina Vigna of Calgary, four treasured grandchildren, Mike (Sarah) De Michele, Joe (Melissa) De Michele, Carina and Marisa Vigna and her great-granddaughter, Gianna Maria, her brother, Vito (Lella), Giannandrea, and her sister, Domenica (Luigi) Colombo as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Maria was predeceased by her husband, Luca Di Manno; her parents, Catarina and Vittorio Giannandrea; brothers, Andrea and Domenico Giannandrea; Michelina and Angelo Di Manno and Yolanda (Tony) Vecchio; Vittorio(Libera) Di Manno and her son-in-law John Vigna.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca. or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

The family extends their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Kathy Johns and Dr. Todd Anderson for their care, compassion and support throughout the years. A special thank you to CBI and the home care aides and to the Palliative RN nurses in Maria’s final days, who provided care to Maria in her home.

There will be a private visitation for family only.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park.  Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

In living memory of Maria Di Manno, 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.