Obituary of Michela Bertelli

October 26, 1940 - Cassino, Frosinone, Italy

July 13, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Michela Bertelli (nee Leva) on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the age of 83 years, at Foothills Hospital in Calgary, AB. Michela was born in Cassino, Frosinone, Italy, and was the eldest of five siblings. She spent her early years in Cassino until the age of 24.

In 1964, Michela met her beloved husband, Massimo Bertelli, and after a short courtship, they were married on February 15, 1964, in Cassino, Italy. She joined Massimo in Canada following a brief stay with her mother-in-law in northern Italy. Together, they raised three children: Aurelio (Ray), Isa, and Luciano (Lou). Michela dedicated herself to creating a loving home while adapting to a new language and customs. Despite the challenges of being far from her homeland, she embraced new traditions and friendships with warmth and optimism.

As her children grew more independent, Michela pursued her own independence by working as a seamstress, specializing in sewing window coverings. She took pride in creating beautiful drapes for herself, friends, and children. Michela was a strong and humble person, devoted to caring for her husband Massimo who was diagnosed with PSP in 2001. Her unwavering positivity and perseverance shone through even in the toughest times.

Michela adored her four grandchildren and showered them with unconditional love, always ready to prepare their favorite snacks or meals. She cherished family time and enjoyed travel, with favorite destinations including Hawaii, Las Vegas, Kelowna, and her beloved Italy, where she reunited with her dearly missed relatives.

Her infectious smile, delightful sense of humor, and delicious meals will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Michela is survived by her children, Aurelio (Tania) Bertelli, Isa (Steve) King, and Luciano Bertelli, with whom she lived until her passing; as well as her grandchildren, Natasha (Matthew), Matthew, Valentina, and Massimo. She is also survived by her sisters, Nanda and Lina; brother Domenico, brother-in-law Giacomo, sisters-in-law, Rosanna and Eugenia; and numerous nieces and nephews in Calgary and Italy.

Michela was predeceased by her husband Massimo in October 2022, her parents, Louisa and Giuseppe; her sister Rita, Massimo's parents, Ermenia and Ventura; and Massimo's brothers, Aurelio and Piero.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church (640 – 19 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Entombment Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery - Mausoleum (3219 – 4 Street NW, Calgary, AB). Reception to follow at McInnis & Holloway (Heritage, 1708, 16th Avenue N, across from the North Hill Shopping Centre, Calgary, AB).

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: 403-955-8818, www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the paramedics, ICU hospital staff, and Unit 31 at Foothills Medical Centre for their compassionate care of Michela.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Michela’s family here.

In living memory of Michela Bertelli, 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: 403-276-2296.