Obituary of Velia Contardo

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Velia Contardo of Calgary February 25, 2005 after a brief illness at the age of 91 years. Velia was born on October 14, 1913 at S. Giorgio della Rich.da Pozzo, PN, Italy and married Albino in Tripoli, Libya on March 30, 1935. In order to give her children a better future, Velia and daughters courageously embarked on the 1953 ocean voyage to Canada, where Albino was waiting for her. As a new immigrant, and hard worker , she found employment as a Fur Finisher. For many years she travelled to and from work on her bicycle that she brought from Italy. The first few years were very difficult but she was determined to succeed. Velia enjoyed sewing, tending to her extraordinary tomatoes and beautiful flowers. Velia and Albino also travelled extensively to Italy, Canada and to warm climates. She is survived by her loving husband of almost seventy years, Albino Contardo; three daughters, Lilian Romanzin, Norma and son-in-law Angelo Bizzotto and Carla Nicola; six grandchildren, Susan and Neil Graham, Aldo and Shauna Romanzin, Dan and Patty Bizzotto, Julie McDonald (Michael), Franco Nicola (Matil), Antonio Nicola (Annie); eight great-grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Pinuta and Amelio Lupieri of Trail, BC; and numerous other relatives in Canada and Italy. Velia was predeceased by her parents; two sons-in-law, Joe Romanzin and Fausto Nicola; as well as numerous siblings in Canada and Italy. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Monday, February 28, 2005 at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Italian and English Catholic Church (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E.) on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. with the Very Rev. Bryan K. Frank Presider. Graveside Service to follow at St. Josephs Section at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Special thanks to Dr. K. Savoia; Anna, Anita and Yvonne (her live-in caregivers) for the care, love and understanding given to Mom during her declining years. In living memory of Velia Contardo, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, Telephone: (403) 276-2296.