Obituaries

Maria passed away peacefully at her home in Kelowna on December 29, 2016 in the comfort of her youngest son and two of her grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered for her contagious laugh, her devotion to family, her wonderful home-cooked meals, her extraordinary work ethic, and her beautiful, award winning gardens. Maria was born in Italy in September of 1925, and after surviving the Second World War, she moved to France, and then to England. While living In Worthing, she met and befriended Kathleen Ames, who sponsored her to Canada as a companion and as a nanny for her four young children. Maria met Willy Weisstock in Vancouver while attending English language classes for new immigrants. They married in June 1953, and together they carved out a life in Canada, raising four children in Vancouver, before moving the family to Kelowna in 1968. In their spare time, Maria and Willy shared a love of the Canadian outdoors, exploring the country and fishing and camping with their children. By training, Maria was a gifted seamstress, but she was also a smart and successful businesswoman, an incredible cook, and a prolific gardener who had a genius for everything that grows. A big-hearted person by nature, she was always loyal and generous to her friends, but she was also a very selfless, private philanthropist who throughout her life recognized the needs of the less fortunate and attempted to help them whenever she could. Maria loved to laugh; she was always good company, plain-spoken and down-to-earth, and able to share the humour in her not infrequent misuse of English words. As a Mom and a Nona, Maria was fun, generous, thoughtful, affectionate, but also tough and inspiring. Maria was predeceased by her life-companion and husband of 66 years, Willy, her son Walter

• Jan 14, 2017
  Maria loved her flowers. I remember her with her gardening hat and gloves, sweating and with a big smile. May you now rest in peace. My condolences to the family. Renata Simonelli
  
  
• Jan 06, 2017
  To the whole family, I am sorry to hear the news of Maria's passing. She was such a wonderful, giving, hard working lady. I remember her dearly from when I rented one of the apartments. She certainly loved her garden and flowers. May you all find the strength to get through these most difficult days and weeks ahead. My thoughts and prayers goes out to all the family.
  
  Marie Raeburn (nee Frenkel)
• Jan 05, 2017
  Dear Walter and family,
  
  We are so sorry for your loss, your mom was a really nice lady.
  
  With kindest regards, Bill and Christie Ewen
• Jan 05, 2017
  Walter and Family,
  
  My sympathy on the death of your mother and grandmother. You are in my prayers.
  
  Gae Mills
• Jan 05, 2017
  Maria certainly enjoyed Kelowna and was a proud citizen. She enjoyed her fresh fruit and vegetables from her own garden and from our fruit stand. She became friends of my parents when they had Valentino's Villa as they were across the street from each other and had great discussion about Italy and gardening.
  
  She will be missed.
  
  Our thoughts and prayers will be with you,
  
  Domenic and Lina Rampone
• Jan 04, 2017
  Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Walter, Silvia, Albert and Tony and your Nona, Christina and Graham. Your Mom/Nona was a magnificent gardener and the grounds around the apartment she maintained were extraordinary. And when you say she was hard-working, that barely explains the strength within her. Much love to you all, Bev and Lou
• Jan 04, 2017
  Our deepest condolences to you. Maria was a faithful "apple" customer...she had to sample every kind of apple before she bought them...we loved her spunk & wit !
  
  Sincerely Patti & Sam DiMaria

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