Obituary of Pina Maria Suess

August 18, 1962 - Calgary, Alberta

June 17, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Pina Suess (nee Colombo), beloved wife of Leonard Milo Suess, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the age of 60 years.

Pina was the second of three children, born to the late Antonietta and Giovanni Colombo, on August 18, 1962, in Calgary, AB. Pina grew up surrounded by a large extended family who immigrated from Italy. Through many family gatherings, Pina developed a love of cooking and baking as she observed her Mamma and Nonna in the kitchen lovingly preparing homemade Italian food. Pina had a passion for singing nostalgic Italian songs, which brought memories of being together with her family.

Pina attended St. Mary’s High School and always achieved top marks and was consistently on the Honour Roll. After graduating, Pina primarily worked in sales and got her dream job at Woodward’s in the jewelry department. Pina always looked stunning wearing her fashionable jewelry, which accentuated her natural beauty.

In May 1990, Pina married her true love, Leonard Suess. Together they enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and fishing. As well, they had a love of cats and had two of their own, named Sasha and Yonder. Pina’s most memorable vacation was with Leonard and her parents, travelling to the BC coast in her parents’ motor home. While fishing in Lake Okanagan, Pina caught the biggest fish, and then using their culinary skills created a delicious fish stew.

In her later years, Pina moved to Sage Hill Retirement Residence where everyone knew who she was, and she had the remarkable ability to remember their first names by meeting them only once. Through her health challenges, Pina showed great courage, perseverance, and grace. Her legacy of strength, kindness, caring, generosity, and love will continue to shine in us and all of those she touched.

Pina will be most remembered for bringing joy to the lives of others by her lovely smile, laughter, and always saying, “I love you.”

Pina is survived by her sister Maria Sapieha and her brother Angelo Colombo of Calgary; her uncle Luigi and aunt Domenica Colombo, aunt Annina Silvestri of Calgary and aunt Lucia Colombo of Montreal as well as numerous cousins in Calgary, Montreal and Italy. She was predeceased by her husband Leonard Suess, her parents, Antonietta and Giovanni Colombo; and brother-in-law Murray Sapieha.

We would like to thank both the staff and residents at Sage Hill Retirement Residence and Dr. Raj Sharma and Dr. Jennifer McCrae for their compassion and support throughout the years. In addition, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the medical professionals on Unit 37 at the Foothills Medical Centre, as their care of Pina was exceptional.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307-14 St. SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Pina Maria Suess, 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.