MARIA SALLEMI

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MARIA SALLEMI After a short battle with Cancer, Maria Sallemi, aged 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2013. Maria was born November 7, 1924 in Termine Imerese, Sicily. She immigrated to Canada in 1957 accompanied by her mother Angela Rinella, and young daughters Beatrice and Angela. Settling in the West-end, Maria quickly found employment as a seamstress. Her family was her life. She was happiest in the company of grandchildren especially when her food was front and centre. 'Nonna' equated food with love, and provided you ate everything on your plate, she was happy. We have all tried duplicating her recipes, but somehow they never quite came out right for us. She spent countless hours in her garden, so much so that her mood would be dictated by how well things were growing. Tending a garden the size of a football field, virtually unassisted until she was 87 years old, was testament to her work ethic. We all benefited from her labour, and gladly accepted bags and bags of vegetables. Nonna loved playing cards, especially scopa. She never let us forget the times she won, and occasionally when she didn't, she was quick to blame her partner. More recently she participated in many casino bus trips. She loved the hotels, buffets, lights, noise and action. She made many friends on these trips and always looked forward to the next adventure. Left to mourn are her daughters Beatrice Bullaro (Francesco), Angela Borelli (Vittorio), and brother Tony Rinella (Angela). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren Francesca Aiello (Raffaele), Rosario Bullaro, Giovanni Bullaro (Patricia), Maria Lowe (Stacey), Raffaele Borelli (Katerina), Mario Bullaro (Susanne), Giovannie Borelli (Sandra), and Michael Borelli. Nonna also leaves 14 great-grandchildren Gerald, Jennah, Stephen, Victoria, Christopher, Krista, Gabriella, Matthew, Makena, Vittorio, Samantha, Alessandro, Mattea, and Giuliana and nephews and niece Tony, John and Angela Rinella. A very special thanks to the staff at Concordia Hospital, who in a short time were shown a small sample of the love she exudes. Through her quiet demeanor and soft spoken gratitude, she became everyone's 'nonna bella'. She felt love and dignity in her last days, and commented many times to us how utterly special she was made to feel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with condolences prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Avenue. Entombment following at Holy Angel Mausoleum, Green Acres Cemetery. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery (204) 222-3241 Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 01, 2013