Maria Pagnotta, born September 10, 1931 in Aiello Calabro, Cosenza, Italy, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2018 in Kamloops surrounded by her loving family. Maria leaves to mourn, her loving husband and companion Vittorio whose marriage was only 15 days shy of their 70th wedding anniversary; her two children Rosina (Carmine) and Peter (Judy); her treasured grandchildren Robert (Madalina), Cindy (Sam), Dylan (Brenna), Oriana (Zach) Marc (Erin), and equally treasured great grandchildren, Carmine, Vittorio and Sunil. Also left to cherish her memory are her siblings Rosina (late Antonio Vecchio), Emilia (Domenico Mercuri), Giovannina (Vittorio Mercuri), Ada (Egidio Bruno), Ottavio (Angela), and Nella (Carmine Pucci-Daniele). She is also survived by sisters-in-law Carmela Caputo and Maria Teresa Caputo as well as brother-in-law Ettore Pagnotta (Rosina); sisters-in-law Stella, Estera and Fausta all of Italy and many nieces and nephews in Canada and in Italy. She was predeceased by her parents Pietro and Teresa, brothers Francesco and Paolino, brothers-in-law Antonio Vecchio, Francesco Mercuri and Emilio Pagnotta (late Teresa).

Born and raised in Italy, Maria married Vittorio in 1949. Vittorio immigrated to Canada in 1951 and in 1953 she joined her husband in McBride, BC along with her 2 1/2 year old daughter, Rosina. Peter was born two years later and in 1970 the family moved to Kamloops where she became the matriarch of her most valued asset – her family. She cherished her family, for they were her treasure. She believed them to be a storehouse of wealth beyond measure. Her life was shining with hope, decorated with laughter, and warmed with love. Maria was a loving, compassionate, faith-filled, intelligent, spirited, and beautiful daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, Godmother and Nonna.

She had a kind soul and a great sense of humour. She was happiest when she was cooking for her family. Her love and compassion would shine through in her ability to always keep everyone full while making them feel like they were her favourite. She had endless life advice and wisdom. Maria was incredibly loved and will be missed every day.

Thank you to the exceptionally caring RIH staff on five south and a special thanks to Nurse Michelle for being so supportive and empathetic on Maria’s last day. The family wants to extend a particular heart-felt thanks to her doctor, Kraig Montalbetti. Dr. Montalbetti and his Medical Office Assistant, Jacey Mitchell along with Dr. Brett Giolma who consistently displayed compassion, concern and kindness.

Prayers will be recited on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. in Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Reverend Father Derrick Cameron will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Evergreen Mausoleum, Hillside Cemetery On-line condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com. Service arrangements are entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 374-1454.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a plaque on behalf of Maria for the RIH Foundation’s Memorial Wall. Memorial gifts can be made online at www.rihfoundation.ca then going to “Ways to give” then “Memorials” or call their office at: 250-314-2325.

• Date : 2018-12-20
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.