Our beautiful mother, Elena, passed away on January 29 after a long illness. She was surrounded by her devoted son, Paul, and daughters Sandra (Tom Waithe) and Ruth (Paolo Ventresca) and beloved grandchildren Rebecca and William. She leaves behind her sister, Stephanie, and brother-in-law, Al Blesch, along with many cousins, nephews, nieces, and close friends. Elena had a lively spirit and surrounded herself with a tight-knit community that loved and supported her through the years. She enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, and the fine arts. Family, though, trumped all. Elena joins her adoring husband, Robert, precious son, Mark, father and mother, George and Isabelle, father-in-law and mother-in-law Yasumatsu and Miyuki, sisters Theo and Christine, along with many relatives and friends who predeceased her; she will welcome an amazing reunion with them. We feel honoured to have had the privilege to love and be loved by our amazing mom. She taught us to embrace life with joy and gratitude and to treat others with kindness. Above all, she provided us with a firm foundation upon which to build our faith lives. That is her legacy. Our earth angel is now a heavenly one. Peace, love, and joy always, mom - until we meet again.

Prayers will be offered on Wednesday, February 8 at 7 pm at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 2888 Delahaye Dr, Coquitlam, followed by a Funeral Mass that will be celebrated on Thursday, February 9 at 11 am.