Obituary of GROSSI – Lisa

August 11, 1921 – September 9, 2012 It is with great sadness that the Grossi family announces the peaceful passing of Lisa at the Foothills Medical Centre on Sunday, September 9, 2012. Lisa was born in Villalago, Italy on August 11, 1921. She married Emidio Donato Grossi in 1940 and they were blessed with two sons, Nicola (Nick) and Raffaele (Ralph). Given the chaos of WWII and difficult post-war period, Lisa was left to raise her sons mostly on her own as Donato served in the Italian army and later sought employment outside of Italy, specifically in Belgium, France and eventually Canada in the fall of 1951. Her strength came from an unconditional commitment to her Catholic faith. She truly believed and lived the Gospel call to serve others. Her strong conviction helped her later in life to cope with the physical difficulties brought about by her heart and arthritic conditions. She was a tireless worker who never sought the spotlight but preferred working quietly and unselfishly in the background. Her children and later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her main focus and source of joy. From an early age, Lisa developed a talent for dress making, crocheting and knitting, and turned these skills into a career as a seamstress. Those who were fortunate enough to experience her wisdom and love will sorely miss her. Lisa is survived by her son Raffaele (Anne Konicki and daughters, Alexandra and Stefanie Zarnowski); daughter-in-law Ernestina Grossi; grandchildren, Fabio Grossi, Sara (Brett) Mulder, and Paolo Grossi (fiancée Erin Winnicki); great-grandchildren, Siena, Leila and Sofia Mulder; special niece Rosa Galante; nephews, Pasquale (Albina) Buccini and Fernando (Lily) Buccini; and numerous extended family in Canada, the United States and Italy. Lisa was predeceased by her husband Donato in 1983; son Nicola in 2006; and her brothers, Antonio and Gino. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Italian and English Catholic Church (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E.) on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family wishes to thank the countless family and friends who visited Lisa while at home, the hospital and at the Bethany Care Centre and the nurses and doctors at both the Peter Lougheed Centre and the Foothills Medical Centre for their compassionate care and outstanding dedication. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Lisa’s honour may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Lisa Grossi, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.