DeRosa (Ongaro), Maria – of Trail, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2012 at the age of 101.
Maria was born on November 29, 1910, in a small town in Italy, San Martino al Tagliamento, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Her parents Antonio Ongaro and Anna Del Zotto had three children – Maria, the eldest, and two sons, Primo and Mario.
Maria married Idamo DeRosa in 1933 and their family grew to include Tonino (deceased as infant), Bruno, Tony, Anna and Louie. In 1948 a decision was taken to immigrate to Canada and the family arrived in Trail, BC. In 1960 Maria was widowed by the death of her husband Idamo. Throughout the hard times, upheaval, and loss, Maria never complained – never. Her faith and her family were the cornerstones of her life.
Maria is survived by Bruno (Loretta), Tony (Joanne), Anna (Gene), Louie (Carol, Judy deceased), and her grandchildren Annette, Connie, Shannon, Mike, Bev, Christine, David, Mark, David, Karen, Chris, Heidi, Leif, and their spouses/partners. Maria has twenty-one great-grandchildren who think their “Nona” is pretty special. Maria is also survived by a close group of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all part of the DeRosa/Ongaro family.
Maria was a member of St. Anthony’s parish, and took part in activities of the San Martino Club, Sisters of Colombo Lodge, and Mount Carmel Society.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Matthieu Gombo Yange OfmCap at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Trail on Saturday, June 23, 2012, at 10:30 AM. There will be a prayer service (Rosary) at 7:00 PM on Friday evening at St. Anthony’s. Bill Clark and Jordan Wren of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ have been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Health Foundation (Mammography) Fund at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC V1R 4B1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca