March 3, 1926 – September 14, 2018

Fortunata Spina, mother of Maria (Joe) Presta, Franca (Dave) Boechler, and Ross (Marg) Spina passed away peacefully on September 14, 2018 at the age of 92 at Ridgeview Lodge. Much loved grandmother and nanna of Emilio Falsetta(Ornella), Peter Spina(Joanne), Ross Presta(Tanya), Paula Presta, Christina Clow (Riley) and Vincent Spina, and step granddaughters Yvonne Duffus(Gordon),Laurieann Smith and their families; great grandmother to Joseph, Matthew, Daniela, Andrew, Luca, Alex and Emily. She was predeceased by her loving husband Vincenzo (2013) and daughter-n-law Marg (2017).She was also predeceased by parents Francesco and Peppina Marrello, cherished sister Fenice Spina and great granddaughters Baylie and Isabella Presta. She is survived by her only brother Davide Marrelli, her sister-n-law Esterina Giardullo and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Mom was an exceptional mother, grandmother and great grandmother and a wonderful, kind hearted and gentle human being. Her children and extended family are grateful to have enjoyed her loving presence for 92 years and that they were able to tell her often how much they loved her. This special woman left her family and friends with a smile on her face and fulfillment in her heart. Fortunata means good fortune in Italian, and mom reminded us often about her good fortune in having a loving husband (Vincenzo) for 67 years and three “tesori”(treasures) (Maria,Franca and Ross) whom she adored and who blessed her with six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Through the gifts of kindness, caring, integrity, optimism, faith and constant love Fortunata shaped the lives of her children, extended family and all with whom she came in contact with. She made all who knew her feel special; for that she was greatly respected and loved by many. Fortunata taught her children many life lessons, including the values of hard work, a positive attitude and honesty at all times. Fortunata was a bright and multi-talented person. Growing up her children were always amazed with her ability to do math in her head. She often corrected store cashiers (pre-computerized cash register days) if the wrong change was returned to her. She was an outstanding cook as can be attested by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their friends. She could cook up a superb tasting lunch or dinner at a moment’s notice. Family and friends have many fond memories of the many delectable dishes she prepared. Fortunata was an excellent seamstress and was often called upon by family, friends and neighbors to shorten slacks, fix dresses, expand waist sizes of pants and replace broken zippers. She never took payment for the work she did. Despite not having the ability to read in English, Fortunata showed her talents by knitting beautifully designed wool sweaters and blankets for her children and grandchildren. She looked at the design in the instruction manual and figured it out. She placed great value in her Catholic faith. Fortunata loved the rosary and her prayer book, and despite her dementia over the last several months, she was still able to recite her prayers by heart. She often reminded her children of the power of prayer and faith and that one should never lose hope. There are many other good things and stories that could be said about Fortunata, suffice it is to say that her family and friends were blessed to have such a great role model and extraordinary woman in their lives. The family extends our deep appreciation to Dr. Wynne and the caring and dedicated staff at Ridgeview. The Reverend Father Paul Simms will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, September 21st at 11:00am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Entombment will follow at Evergreen Mausoleum. Should family and friends desire, donations in her memory can be made to the Vincent Spina Scholarship Fund or the Marg Spina Community Enhancement Fund through the BC Interior Community Foundation at #2-219 Victoria Street, Kamloops B.C., or through the Foundation’s website https://www.bcicf.ca

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

• Date : 2018-09-15
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.