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MARIO ZAVA
Born: Oct 20, 1930
Date of Passing: Dec 05, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
MARIO ZAVA
October 20, 1930 - December 5, 2020
Mario was predeceased by his wife Estela, in 2005, as well as his brother Primo, and sister Anna Maria and survived by his grandchildren, Moorea and Matthew, of whom he was especially proud, and by his son Franco and wife Terry.
In 1950, at the age of 19, Mario left his hometown of Godega, Italy for Canada, in search of opportunity and a better life. Arriving in the middle of a Winnipeg winter was enough to make him want to go home, but with nothing to his name, he had to make it work. Having worked as a hairdresser in Italy since the age of 10, he was determined to do so here, and the day after his arrival, he wandered until he found a beauty school in pursuit of just that. Knowing a couple of words in English, he tried to explain, unsuccessfully, that he wanted a job cutting women's hair. Lucky for him, there was a young woman working there who had also just arrived to Canada and who spoke Spanish - maybe she could translate for him. Her interpretation skills helped him get the job that same day, and together, over the next 50 plus years, he and Estela went on to build a family, a life and a successful business here in Canada, operating Mario's Beauty Salons for more than 60 years. Their love for one another, their work and their family was unmistakable.
Mario's passion for his work was intense - it wasn't work, he would say, if you truly love what you do - and he did, for 75 years. When home from work though, he loved nothing more than starting the BBQ, sharing a glass of wine with Estela and talking for hours about their family and grandchildren, the "shop" and the future. Mario and his Estellita are now together again resuming the long walks that they loved so much.
Mario's family would welcome any memories or stories by email to francozava@shaw.ca. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallgardens.com
Due to Covid, there will be no formal service.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2020
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Mario was my first employer after arrived in Winnipeg from Germany 1958 We had a very good professional relationship in the three years of my stay with him.I will never forget the Trip with Mario to New York to attend the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN HAIRSTYLING 1960,where we both participated in. When Mario wanted to open a new shop at Academy Road in River Heights,he made me manager after giving me the opportunity to install the salon with the most modern salon furniture from Germany, which were the latest there. I left after three years with Mario for Vancouver where I am still. MAY HE REST IN PEACE - Posted by: Helmut Becker (former employee) on: Feb 17, 2021
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ho sempre ammirato mio zio, la sua passione ,la tenacia nel suo lavoro . sono orgogliosa di essere sua nipote. - Posted by: ZAVA FLORA (nipote) on: Feb 17, 2021
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I worked at the Graham salon 1960-1964. It was the most successful salon in Winnipeg. Mario sure was a Great stylist!! He was a very passionate, talented, colourful, and definitely demanding boss. We had our issues, I was fired once and quit at the same time after a argument and brush throwing then a walkout! Went to work at Mario’s major competition salon !! That lasted for a month! Mario, and I became friends And I worked with him for a few years till I moved to Vancouver!! I will always remember not fondly Louige Pina, Salvatore, Maro, sing their Italino songs!! After hearing them so many times, I sang along with Them all, not knowing what the meanings but knew all the Spanish words! Missing all at Mario’s Salon !! RIP - Posted by: Gail Radke (Hicks) (Worked with Mario and Estella in their salon on Graham ) on: Dec 12, 2020