Mrs. Rita Arno, age 71 years, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 in St. Joseph's Hospice.
Rita was born in Paterno, Calabro, Cosenza, Italy on April 17, 1939. She began exchanging letters with Joseph and in 1959 she came to Canada. On Aug. 20 of that year she married the love of her life. She dedicated her life to her family, raising her four children and grandchildren.
She loved gardening, growing food and cooking for her family. She made sure everyone was taken care of, family or not. She had an open heart and would welcome anyone, and always saw the good in them. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Her life truly revolved around her family, constantly making sure everyone else was provided for before herself.
Survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Joseph; children Michael (Maurizza), Teresa, Rosanna (Glenn) Smith of Winnipeg and Debbie (Lincoln Boothe); grandchildren Brandon, Lindsay, Alyssa and Ashley; sisters Lucia “Emma” Ceci and Sara Lisco; brothers Francesco and Armando Mandarino both of Italy; brother-in-law Frank (Noreen) and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Predeceased by her parents Francesco and Rosina Mandarino; brothers Luigi, Oresto, Nicole Mandarino; brother-in-law Giovanni Ceci and sister-in-law Giuseppina Mandarino.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Rita Arno will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 with family and friends gathering at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. for the Funeral Mass. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Should friends so desire, donations to St. Joseph's Hospice or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
“Think of her as living
In the hearts of those she touched
for nothing loved is ever lost
and she was loved so much”
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