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Nadia Elena Giselda (Pezzi) Matteucci

November 27, 2015

matteuccinadia

On Friday November 27, 2015 Nadia Matteucci, wife, mother, nonna, bisnonna, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 with her husband Guido, children, and grandchildren by her side.

Nadia was born in Bussi sul Tirino, Bussi, Pescara, Italia on August 18, 1932. She was the 2nd child of 6, born to Constantino and Angelina Pezzi. When she was 20 she moved to Rome where she worked as a nanny for the Fornelli Family. In 1957, she left Italy on a ship headed to Halifax, and took a train to Nelson. She made her way to Christina Lake where she was to marry Oscar Tedesco, she was a mail order bride. When Father Maglio was informed that they were to marry he refused because of their 20 year age difference. In order for Nadia to remain in Canada, Oscar had to help her find a job as her sponsor or she would have to return to Italy. As it happened she found a job in Trail at the Kootenay Hotel, and had room and board there. Nadia didn’t have any family here, but soon made friends with the Bressanutti and the Corrado families. The Kootenay Hotel is where she met the love of her life, Guido Matteucci. For Guido, it was love at first sight. Nadia and Guido dated for 3 months before getting married July 4, 1959, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Nadia and Guido were married for 56 years. Together, they had 5 children: Loriana, Marina, Giuseppe (Joe), Luigi, and Riccardo, 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Nadia had many jobs throughout her life. Most of which involved cooking. Nadia loved to cook, bake, and entertain people. She loved making people happy through food. Nadia’s many jobs included working at the Kootenay Hotel, Melatini’s Café, Lenarducci’s Laundry, Z Bar, Italian Village, Luigi’s Pizza, Lou’s Bakery, Crown Point Hotel, Union Hotel, Trail Hotel, Carmela’s Ristorante, and lastly, The Colombo Lodge where she worked for 17 years. Nadia’s cooking was well known for her pasta and sauce, chicken, pizza and especially her stew. In 2006 she had to give up her cooking due to health issues, which broke her heart.

Nadia was a strong, vibrant, passionate, energetic, generous, and at times feisty woman. To those who knew her, you know what we’re talking about. Nadia also had a heart of gold. If she knew someone was sick, injured or who lost someone she would be over with food - typically a pizza, lasagna, or a torta. She never showed up empty handed. When her children were getting married, she was hands on – spending the day baking and cooking for the wedding. As soon as she was done in the kitchen, she would be ready to get dressed up and dance the night away. Her other passion was dancing, how she loved to dance. She loved going to banquets or any gathering where there were a lot of people and entertainment.

She had a zest for life, and family was everything to her. When her children blessed her with grandchildren, her whole face would light up. She always said that she was lucky because God blessed her with 5 beautiful children and her kids in turn gave her beautiful grandchildren - in her eyes, they were all angels. Nadia has left an imprint on all of us. She was the light force and heart and soul of this family. She will be forever remembered and missed. She’s not alone, and has now been reunited with her son Joe and grandson Mitch.

Nadia was predeceased by her grandson Mitch in December 2008, and her son Joe in January 2015. Nadia was heartbroken when she lost them both. She was also predeceased by her parents Constantino and Angelina, and brother Gino.

Nadia is survived by her husband Guido of 56 years, daughters Loriana (Murray) and Marina, sons Luigi (Leanna) and Riccardo (Jen), and daughter-in-law Deb. Grandchildren; Brittany (Chris), Lindsay (Eric), Kailyn (Devon), Dustin, Morgan (Erik), Bailey, Luciano, Nadia, and Nico, and great-grandchild, Ella.

Also left to mourn Nadia’s passing; brother Riccardo (Iole), sisters Aida, Anna, Natalina (Linuccia), sister-in-law Ernesta, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rosary will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church @ 7:00 pm

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church @ 10:30 am with Father Bart van Roijen, Celebrant. Gwen Ziprick of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca

Arriverderci Nadia, until we see you again.



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