Maria passed away peacefully at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital on October 19, 2014 with her family by her side.
Maria is survived by her son Joseph (Candace) Parrilla and her daughter Rosemary (Barry) Neil. Maria leaves behind cherished grandchildren Matthew (Dawn) Parrilla, Kathleen (Greg) Young, Amanda (Patrick) Dutton, and Braeden (Andrea) Neil. Maria was the most proud great-grandmother to Evan, Lilah, Broder, Drew, Chloe, Noah, Patrick Jr. and Gunner. Maria was predeceased by her daughter Lina Parrilla and husband Ernesto Rocco Parrilla.
Ernesto came to Canada in 1952 when Joseph was 3 and Maria, at the time, was 2 months pregnant with Lina. When things were set up in Canada, Ernesto sent Maria a letter with some translation phrases to help her with the language barriers on her journey to Canada. Maria immigrated to Canada in 1953. She spent 18 days on a ship with her 4 year old Joseph and 6 month old Lina. This was followed by a several day train journey from Halifax to Nelson BC where she was met with loving arms. Three years later Rosemary was born on Maria’s 36th birthday and for 58 years they celebrated together.
Maria loved baking and cooking for her family. She kept a wonderful garden and passed down the teachings of gardening and canning to her family. Her home was always open to visitors. She felt complete when the shelves of her home were stocked with food just in case someone stopped in for a visit. Maria spent many years in the Sorelle Columbo, Italo Canadese and the CWL here in Trail and countless hours helping everyone she could.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 10:30 am at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish at 2012 3rd ave., Trail, BC with Father Bart van Roijen, Celebrant. Jordan Wren of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Maria’s name to KBRH Health Foundation-3rd Floor Family Rooms at 1200 Hospital Bench Trail BC V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
You may leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca