Entered peacefully into the arms of her heavenly Father, surrounded by her loving family at Vancouver General Hospital on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in her 82nd year.

Beloved wife of Luigi Aquilini and mother of Francesco, Roberto (wife Deanna), and Paolo (wife Clara). Dear grandmother of Alana, Isabella, Gabriela, Cyrus and Parisa; Dax, Karsyn, Quinn, Pierce, and Keely; and Alessia, Christian, Sienna, and Matteo. Loving sister of Malvina Cappellaro and Rosi Cappellaro.

Elisa Carlotto and Luigi Aquilini were married in Vicenza, Italy, on August 16, 1953. She was 19 and her husband was a year older. Elisa joined her family in Vancouver while Luigi completed his military service in Italy. After he arrived in Canada, in 1956, he and Elisa began the journey of their lives together, making Vancouver their home during their almost 62 years of marriage.

She was the calm centre of her beloved family as it grew and prospered, utterly devoted to her husband and children, never forgetting her humble origins and offering her love, support, and wise counsel to those who needed it. Her acts of philanthropy and generosity enriched many lives but the singular quality that impacted everyone she touched was Love, it was unconditional and always selfless.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elisa’s memory to support the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Vancouver General Hospital can be mailed to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, 190-855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, online at tinyurl.com/ElisaAquilini, or by calling 604-875-4676.