July 5, 1932 – September 18, 2026 

With her loving family by her side, Iolanda Mafalda Bartella passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, surrounded by the people she cherished most. 

Mom, affectionately known as Nonna, was born July 5, 1932, in Castrolibero, Cosenza Italy. She grew up there until 1957 before moving to Canada with dad, where she began her life and raised her family. She built a home filled with love, family, hard work, laughter, and countless cherished memories. 

Mom was a devoted mother to her three sons, Frank (Roz), Carmelo (Joanne), and Rob. Her greatest joy was her family, and she was a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren: Jennifer, Nicole, Mark, Justin, Cassandra, Kiely, Madison, Denae, and Hayley, as well as four great-grandchildren. 

Mom was the rock of the family — strong, loving, dependable, and always there when her family needed her. She was the heart of the family home and the person who brought everyone together. Her love, guidance, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed. 

Mom was predeceased by her oldest sister Marrietta and survived by her sisters, Virginia and Raffaela, her brother, Vittorio, along with her extended family, nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was loved by so many! 

Mom found happiness in the simple things in life. She loved gardening, her rose plants in the front yard, and spending time in her kitchen cooking for her family. She was an amazing cook, and her apple pie was unmatched. Some of her fondest memories were made making wine with dad — traditions and moments that became treasured family memories and will continue to be remembered for years to come. 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Howie, the nurses, caregivers, and all the staff at Pine Grove Long-Term Care Facility. The family deeply appreciated the special bond that the staff created with mom during her time there. Their kindness, compassion, friendship, and genuine care brought comfort not only to mom, but also to her family. The love and connection they shared with her will always be remembered and appreciated. 

Mom’s warmth, generosity, strength, and love for her family created a legacy that will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her. 

She is now reunited with our dad, her beloved husband, Serafino “Jumba” Bartella. 

Prayers will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 255 Nicola St., Kamloops, B.C. 

Mass will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral. 

Entombment to follow Mass at Hillside Cemetery – 750 Notre Dame Dr. followed by refreshments back at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, should family and friends desire, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Bartella family. 

• Date : 2026-09-18
• Location : Kamloops