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Amelia (Noni) passed away with family by her side on Friday, April 12, 2019 at the age of 79. Survived by her three children; daughter Daniela (Ian) Macdonald; sons Louie (Sherri), Tony (Joanne); grandchildren Michael, Kenzie, Nicole, Devon, Megan (Elijah); brothers Livio Basso, Arnaldo (Rosa) Basso; sisters Vanina (Davide) Ricciardi, Mirella Griggio, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Anton on July 11, 2013; her brothers Elio, Attilio, Luciano and sisters Augusta and Mici.
Amelia was born on May 24, 1939 in Casarsa, Italy. She left Italy in 1959 to visit her brothers in Prince Rupert, a visit that turned out to be a one-way trip. Like many immigrants, Amelia worked very hard at various jobs upon her arrival in Prince Rupert. It was in Prince Rupert where Amelia met the love of her life, Anton (Tony) Gorjanc, and where they raised their three children. After working 20 years in the Royal Fish Plant, Amelia retired and moved with Tony to Kelowna in 1992.
She continued to enjoy bowling, bingo, Bocce, card playing, Yahtzee, cooking, knitting, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Amelia cherished and constantly doted on all her grandchildren. She spent endless hours cooking for them, hosting sleepovers, re-watching favourite movies, and playing with them in the back-yard pool.
Following the loss of her husband, Amelia
- Apr 27, 2019
Hey Lou and family sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I hope all your memories some how lessen the pain you're going through.
Gee-off #21 - Apr 19, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss Tony. Thinking of you and sending hugs. My deepest condolences . From Cristin and Anton Varga
- Apr 18, 2019
Daniela, Louie, and Tonino, we are so very sad to hear of the passing of your dear mother and our wonderful Zia Amelia. I have such fond memories of our childhood because of how your mother touched our hearts with kindness and love. She was there to help raise us, to offer comfort when we were injured while playing on 10th Ave, or just to make us feel loved and protected when she beamed that warm, beautiful smile. Zia was constantly giving us compliments (bello or bielle) as long as we were being good (haha), but she could be stern as well...especially if we misbehaved in Zio Tony's yard. My memories of Zia will never fade, she holds a very special place in my heart...and will forever. Eva and I are very sorry we could be there to celebrate Zia's life, but we will be thinking of her and all of you this weekend. Much love to you all. Edy and Eva Basso. - Apr 18, 2019
Dearest Daniella, Louie, Tony and the entire family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your mother and our dearest friend Amelia. We know that the loss is beyond words, and that the pain you are feeling is indescribable. Amelia was beautiful inside and out, and she will be terribly missed!
Sincerely with love and prayers,
Marina Kajic & Family - Apr 17, 2019
Dear Daniela and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I know how much you loved her and how close you were to her. You were there for her through the tough times as a loving daughter and I can only imagine your heartache. I hope the heartache of losing your mom is eased by all the happy memories you shared over the years. May you find solace with family and friends in this difficult time.
Take care,
Heide - Apr 17, 2019
Dear Daniela and Family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear mother. Daniela you always spoke so highly of both your mother and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cherish all the wonderful times you had with her.
Wayne Turk - Apr 16, 2019
Dear Louie, Sherri and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Wayne & Donna Hewitt - Apr 16, 2019
To Daniela and the entire family,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Amelia was such a kind a loving soul which made her struggles all the more heartbreaking for all those that knew her. We have missed her here at Sandalwood and many of us still smile when we walk past the resident gardens as we know that was something that brought her joy. Please know that we are sending our love to you all. May she finally be at peace.
Rhonda, Sarah & The Staff of Sandalwood Retirement Resort - Apr 16, 2019
Daniela, Louie an Tonnio,
You mom was such a wonderful lady and most of all a wonderful aunt. We will love and cherish her memories forever. The loss of parents is so gut wrenching. We hope that all the wonderful memories you have of her will help you all heal through these difficult days.
We are so sorry we can't be with you on Saturday but you will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lots of love, Mara and Len - Apr 16, 2019
Louie, Sherri and family, so very sorry for your loss.
Angela - Apr 15, 2019
Dear Daniela, Louie and Tony. So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. We first met Amelia when she arrived in Prince Rupert back in the late 50's. A lovely young girl and so full of life. She loved her family with all her heart and spoke of her children always with a beautiful smile on her face, she was proud of you all.
Try and remember all the great times you had together as a family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family at this difficult time.
Reno and Carole Fabris - Apr 15, 2019
Louie, Sherri and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brent and Levilie Smith. - Apr 15, 2019
Daniela & Family, my family sends our deepest sympathy of your mom's passing. Your mom was one of the sweetest persons I've ever met. With both our mothers being the best of friends since their childhoods, she will be so deeply missed. We send our love, hugs and strength to you and your family through this difficult time.
Gemma, Lora, John, Mark Tomasini Family - Apr 15, 2019
Tony and family, so sorry about your mom's passing, may your memories of her love and kindness be in your heart forever and may the angels look after you and your family.
Fran Cotey RCSS 1552 - Apr 15, 2019
Dear Daniela,
So saddened to read about Amelia's passing. As neighbours for many years, I always enjoyed our conversations in one another's yards as well as times in each others homes. She made the best Italian coffee, old fashioned way. No modern, expensive machines. Her yard was always immaculate, growing some of the most beautiful roses. When we lose a loved one, God gives us the strength that allows us to hang on while letting go. Remembering the life of someone so special and sharing in your loss.
Sincerely with prayers, thoughts, and friendship,
Vicki