SANTINA ALBANESE

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SANTINA ALBANESE May 6, 1942 - February 29, 2008 Peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, our mother passed away at the age of 65 years at the St. Boniface Hospital. She leaves to mourn her beloved husband Rocco; her sons, Pasquale (Jacqueline), Francesco (Pamela) and Salvatore (Linda); her grandsons, Rocco Carmelo, Christopher, and Jonathon; her brothers, Antonino Spezzano (Grazia), Serafino Spezzano (Johanna); sisters, Antonietta Bueti, Angelina Cotroneo (Gino); brothers-in-law Michele Albanese (Grazia), Antonio Albanese (Francesca); sister-in-law Giuseppina Albanese, Giovanna De Gola (Aldo), Maria Albanese, and numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends in Canada and in Italy. She was predeceased by her parents, Francesco and Anna Spezzano to whom she was greatly devoted and her brother-in-law Diego Bueti. Santina was born May 6, 1942 in San Roberto, Reggio Calabria, Italy, the third of five children. In 1962, at 20 years of age, Santina left San Roberto to join her brother Antonino and sister Antonietta in Winnipeg. When she arrived, she lived with Antonietta and her husband Diego for several years and it was through them, together with her brother Antonino, that she met her husband Rocco. In 1964 they married and together they raised three sons that were their pride and joy. For our mom family was the center of her life. It brought her great joy when we all gathered together; children, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She would look forward to each Sunday as she knew that this would be the day that she would be with her entire extended family. Our mom was blessed to have a very special relationship with all of her brothers and sisters. Each one of them was very dear to her heart. She was especially close to her sister Antonietta. They were inseparable; they spoke daily, raised their families together, and could understand each other without speaking. Our mothers' love for her husband and children was expressed through her ability to place everyone's needs before her own. When our father fell seriously ill many years ago mom helped dad through this very difficult period in his life. She helped him overcome many difficult hurdles. She was an amazing caregiver who was a constant source of encouragement and hope for our father. Tragically, no one expected that it would be our mother that would fall gravely ill. As a family we have been blessed with many wonderful memories of our mother. She loved to entertain. She always had an interesting story to tell that made everyone laugh. Our mom was a beautiful woman who loved to dance with our dad. She never hesitated to be the first one on the dance floor. Our mother's Catholic faith was an important part of her life and she attended the Italian mass with her husband regularly on Sunday mornings. The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Daeninck, Dr. Catherine Moltzan, Dr. Turnley Wong, Dr. Ralph Wong, Dr. Joe Bueti, Dr. Jillian Horton, Dr. Martina Reslerova, Fr. Sam Argenziano, Cancercare Manitoba, and all the staff on 5E Medicine St. Boniface Hospital. We would like to thank all the family members and friends for their support during this most difficult time in our moms' life. In particular, we would especially like to thank her brothers and sisters who lovingly cared for her daily during her illness. Your selfless devotion to our mother shall never be forgotten. The pallbearers will be Pat Albanese, Aldo Albanese, Frank Cotroneo, Vince Bueti, Joe Bueti, Frank Bueti, Frank Spezzano, and Vince Spezzano. Prayers will be held on Monday March 3, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Avenue. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. also at Holy Rosary Church with Fr. Sam Argenziano presiding at the Eucharist and entombment to follow at Waverley Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverley St. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 2535086

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2008