Contributions to the tribute of Elisabetta Iannino

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Angela posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Although I have prepared something to say about my Nonna tomorrow, I thought that I would share an email I received from a friend. My Nonna touched a lot of people throughout her life, not only her family, but also my friends. Many times I would invite friends over from elementary school for lunch and she would happily cook for them. Sometimes she would even send me to school with food for my friends (because they had told her how amazing her cooking was). One friend in particular she seemed to never forget, although through the years after high school we may have lost touch, Nonna would always ask about her and vice versa. When my grandmother was in Victoria hospital for a month, my friend would take the time out of work (she was a porter at the hospital) to go and visit her every day. When I would come to see my Nonna, I would hear all about how my friend came to visit her. So it was only fair I thought, to let my friend (who now lives in New York) know that she had passed away, because even though we had lost some touch, my Nonna would always ask how she was doing. When I wrote to her, she quickly wrote me back, and I thought I would share this email with you today, just so that you could see how she affected many people: "Angela, I am so happy that you reached out to me…That really means so much to me. I can't say enough about how sweet your grandmother was all the times I spoke to her. Even when she was sick in the hospital and a bit confused she always remembered me and that was so touching. I am so sorry I didn't keep in touch and check on her but I have thought about her many times since then. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through but my heart goes out to you all. I'll always remember the times I was blessed to share some time with her, she was like the little Italian grandma I always wanted and she always made me feel like family growing up. Thank you again for reaching out to me and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Love you Ange" Nonna will be missed dearly by everyone but the memories we have of her will keep her alive in all of our hearts forever. We love you, we miss you, and we will see you again.

A

Angela posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend. These are just some of the rolls my Nonna played throughout her life. Strong, loving, loyal, and compassionate. These are just some of the words you could use to describe Elisabeth Iannino, my grandmother. Friday May 10th, 2013 was the day that my grandmother passed away. It was and still is the hardest thing I have ever had to go through on a personal level in my entire life. Although I am still not ready to resume life without her, I feel as though I should tell people what it was exactly that made this women so special not only to me, her other grandchildren, but to everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her. Although there isn't enough time in a day, a week, a month, or a year to give our grandmother's life the honour it deserves, I feel that I should take the time say something because we all know that she would find the time for all of us. Growing up as the granddaughter of Elisabeth Iannino, it didn't occur to me at first just how extraordinary this one woman was. After raising 2 children of her own instead of enjoying having an empty nest she quickly welcomed into her arms a 7 month year old grandson, 4 years later a granddaughter and years to come would lovingly welcome another grandson. I remember growing up on Burlington crest. When my mom would go off to work, Nonna would wake us up for school, make our beds, feed us, and send us off. After class, she would be there with a smile, waiting to hear about our day as she walked us back to her home. She would than make 5 different meals, because 1 was never enough, and her goal was always to please you and make sure you were always fed. Sometimes you would make the mistake of telling her that her pizza tasted really good that day, in turn she would make one every day that week for you. I am sure everyone here has fond memories of my Nonna, after all, it isn't very often we come across someone so special in our lives that that person stays with you forever. Nonna was that kind of person. I try to tell myself that the only reason why I am hurting so much is because I care so much. Nonna cared more than anyone I know, she loved more than anyone I know. Although she was suffering her last few years she remained stronger than ever. No matter how many times she was knocked down, or made to endure things we wished she wouldn't, she kept coming back. She never complained, she never became bitter… her happiness and love for her family just grow stronger. It didn't take much to make her happy—a phone call, a card, a visit or a kiss before saying good bye. We were the most important people in the world to her. She lived to make our lives better. So for your kindness, patience, compassion, and your love I just wanted to say thank you Nonna, for all you have done and all that I know you will remain to do for me and for others. I love you and until we meet again, Forever and always your Bella Di Nonna

T

Tina posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

First of all, I would like to thank God for all the miracles that he performed for my mom and my family. If HE didn't intervene, we wouldn't have had my mother for as long as we did and for this, we are truly grateful. And to all that were there, supporting our family with prayers, love, food, and just a caring heart all these years, not only when my mother was ill, but always - we can't thank you enough. There is a lot of love surrounding us and for this, we feel very fortunate. My mother was born in 1930 in Curinga, Italy. She was the 2nd of six siblings. She came over to Canada in 1954, just after marrying my father. There wasn't much of a honeymoon; he had to serve 18 months in the army so she had to travel on a ship called Homeland to Halifax without him. I had the opportunity a few years ago to visit beautiful Halifax and was able to stand where she took her first steps as a landed immigrant - this brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. What an experience that must have been for her. She knew nothing of Canada only that it was the land of opportunity and this was going to be her home. She didn't even know how to eat a banana. This fruit was totally foreign to her. In 1956, my dad finally joined her. They started a family and were able to buy a home. She played many roles throughout her life. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother to me and my sister Annamaria and the best "Nonna" to her grandchildren. She was a cherished sister - the one everyone ran to, she was a devoted friend and a favourite "Zia Bettina" not only to her nieces and nephews but to everyone. She had a loving personality and wanted to know all about you. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met. My mother had a big heart filled with love, generosity, compassion and empathy. The most unselfish woman I knew. She was full of energy. Her nickname was "Hurricane Betty". If you were eating at her house and got up from the table for a minute to grab something, your dish was washed, dried, and put away in the cupboard. You didn't even know what hit you! When my dad bought her a 6 cylinder Chevi ---- it wasn't fast enough for her, so he bought her a 1975 red Firebird sports car! She never did anything in a small way. If she was going to make pasta - SHE MADE PASTA! --- Lots of it. It brought her joy to teach you how to make it as well. When we would eat over, we would ask her, "Ma, who else is coming over?" because there was enough food to feed an army. She wanted to make sure that everyone was happy with the food selection - she didn't want to disappoint, so she made everything she could think of. She said if we don't eat it now, we could take it home and also she would give some to her neighbours. She had an outstanding work ethic. Whether she worked at her first job at a drycleaner, The OPEECHEE- bubble gum factory, Northern Telecom or at home, she gave it 100%. She always maintained her dignity and pride, never wanting to use the walker or wheelchair. She had unrelentless perseverance, even up to the end of her life. She would get her hair done once a week. She always wanted to look presentable - lipstick, big earrings, sequence tops and dresses - it matched her personality. We often laugh at how when the beehive hairdo was in, she would wrap toilet paper around her head every night so that her hairdo would last the whole week. This was quite a sight! If we ran out of toilet paper, we knew exactly where to get some more! My Mom's devotion to her children and grandchildren was truly extraordinary. We always came first. She put our needs ahead of her own. We were well cared for and more importantly, well loved. Anthony and Angela were the world to her. Her spirit will truly live on in each of her grandchildren. Her influence is eternal. She never lost sight of others in need, often making food for family and friends. Having family and friends over made her really happy. Her home was often the "gathering place". My dad adored and loved her very much. He was proud to tell everyone that he's been married for 59 years! Always buying her a steady supply of red roses - her favourite. She loved dancing the tango with him. They moved around the Marconi Club dance floor like they were skating on ice… always synchronized. To me my mom and dad were the original "Dancing with the Stars". Now my mom is dancing amongst the stars up in heaven. May she rest in peace, yet enjoy every minute of the wonders of eternal life. We love you mamma, we miss you, and look forward to seeing you again. Love you forever, your daughter Tina.

P

Palma Family posted a condolence

Monday, May 13, 2013

We are so sad about Bettina's passing.Please accept our condolences. She was like a member of our family.

In loving memory of

Elisabetta

1930 - 2013

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