October 9, 1931 – February 18, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Agostina Podorieszach (Gosgnach) at the age of 91 on February 18, 2023. Agostina’s devoted daughter, Franca Monteleone, was by her side as she left this life for the next.

Agostina was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Valentino Podorieszach; her parents, Michele and Ermenegilda (Loszach) Gosgnach; and her siblings, Maria, Angelina, and Mario.

Agostina will be lovingly remembered by Franca (Carlo) Monteleone and her grandchildren: Frances (Jeff), Teena (Brandon), Christopher (Sara), Terry (Caroline), and Mike (Claire). Special memories will be treasured by her eleven great-grandchildren: Elyse, Zachary, Zander, Treyton, Colton, Weston, Olivia, Ava, Jaxon, Tate, and Olive. Agostina’s sister Luciana (Silvio), and many nieces, nephews and friends will continue to cherish her memory.

Agostina was born on October 9, 1931 in the small village of Montemaggiore, located in the region of Savogna in Udine, Italy. In 1954, by proxy, she married the handsome Valentino whom she knew growing up, as he had lived in a nearby village. In 1955, she boarded the ship called Saturnia and made her way to Kamloops where her husband awaited her arrival. They lived in Campbell Creek for eight years before moving to town and it was during this time, in 1956, that their daughter was born.

One of the strongest humans we know, Agostina overcame hardships to live life with zest, passion, and dignity. She shared many stories about her experiences, including an emotional account of the bombing of her village during war, and what she endured when she left her home at an early age to work in various European countries, sometimes in less-than-ideal conditions. In recent years, she struggled with health issues and dementia, but she continued to tell her stories, many of them comedic and entertaining accounts of her life. Agostina maintained her humour despite the memory loss and could always make us smile and laugh.

She taught her family members to persevere, be appreciative, and love completely no matter what.

As the matriarch of our family, she protected and cared for us with the force only an Italian Nonna can provide. She was so generous and helpful, always thinking of others before herself. Her door was always open to all, and many of her grandchildren’s friends would visit her home, fondly known as “The Resort”, to enjoy conversation and good food. The aroma of her cooking would make your mouth water, as the meals were prepared with love and the fruits of labour from their garden. She would sit with friends and family around her table and always enjoyed these special times.

Agostina had many interests and hobbies. She loved to knit, cook, bake bread, watch soap operas, and chat with her friends using a variety of languages she had learned while working outside of Italy. She was a devout Catholic and a member of the Catholic Women’s League for fifty years. She prayed daily and taught all her grandchildren a special Italian prayer. Despite memory problems, she was still able to recite “Angelo di Dio” until she left us to be with the angels. Agostina was so proud of her family and their accomplishments and was a fully dedicated mom and Nonna. Her great grandkids always brought her so much joy and greatly lifted her spirits. They affectionately called her Nonna-Banonna, and she was fond of the name. Agostina shared a special love with her family; she created a home filled with joy, kindness, and peace. Her teachings, stories, and love will live on.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Ponderosa for their compassion and safe keeping of Agostina over the past four years. Hearing you call her “Mamma” and “Nonna” was heartwarming.

Nonna-Banonna: In honour of you and your amazing life, we will take your own words of advice and “We make a party!” Our angel, you will forever remain in our hearts.

Prayers will be recited at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Sunday March 5 at 4:30 p.m. The Reverend Father Derrick Cameron will celebrate the Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at the church on Monday March 6 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Family and friends are then invited to gather in the parish hall for a reception to share love, stories, and prayers for our beloved Agostina.

You may deliver a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service.

• Date : 2023-02-18
• Location : Kamloops