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Obituary of Carmelina Vincenzina Tola
February 19, 1941 – San Martino di Finita, Italy
September 30, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carmelina Tola at the age of 83 years. Carmelina passed away peacefully at the Chinook Hospice in Calgary, AB, on Monday, September 30, 2024. She will be lovingly remembered for her devotion to family, gardening, and a home-cooked meal.
Carmelina was born in San Martino di Finita, Cosenza, Italy. She met the love of her life, Gennaro, married and immigrated to Canada in 1960, living her entire life in Calgary. Together they shared ten wonderful years before Gennaro’s passing in 1970. Carmelina showed her true resilience by raising her two kids, daughter Irene (Tony) and son Michael (Maria) as a single mom until she remarried in (1982) to her second love John Tola. Carmelina was married to John for 31 years until his passing in 2013.
Carmelina’s love for gardening, family get-togethers, cooking, and baking brought beauty and joy to everyone who knew her. Her home was always filled with treats from her garden, and she was known for her baked goods during the festive season. She was always willing to share with family, friends, and neighbours alike. Carmelina was an expert seamstress and had a very successful career as a seamstress, spending 25 years with Holt Renfrew in Calgary, receiving many customer awards, and making lifelong friends.
Carmelina’s greatest joy in life was her family. As mentioned, she is survived by her two children, Michael (Maria) and Irene (Tony); as well as her four grandchildren, Nicholas (Brielle), Christopher, Anthony (Jocelyn), and Jena (Rebecca). Carmelina is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Kaia, Madisyn, and Landon. She is survived by her brother Armando (Elena), sisters, Elena and Giovanna; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Angelo and Mariagata; brother Michael, and sister Maddelena.
Carmelina had a passion for life. She wanted a little more time to watch her family grow. She loved to travel back home to Italy and Belgium to visit with her family overseas. Carmelina was a religious person and attended her church, St James Parish.
Carmelina’s warmth, generosity, and kindness will be missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, and her memory will forever be in our hearts.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church (5504 – 20th Street S.W, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Entombment Service to follow at Queen's Park Mausoleum (3219 - 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB).
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Carmelina’s family here.
In living memory of Carmelina Tola, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
