Matilde (Dina) Guadagnini was born in 1933 in Crespano del Grappa, in the Veneto Region of the Province of Treviso, Italy. She was born into a loving family with her mother Maria, Father Pietro, and 4 brothers. She lived in a fairly modern home (it actually had indoor plumbing) and was the oldest of 5 children. In her youth her main responsibility was to look after all 4 brothers (even when they were babies). Sundays were special not just for her faith, but also for the chance for a well earned break and time to play cards.
She grew up in a hard time between the great World Wars. Food was very scarce and there was a constant threat of soldiers if you were out past curfew. In fact there was one occasion when her brother was out past curfew where she pulled him behind a brick wall just as a soldier was shooting at him, narrowly missing them. Their Mother was livid. She walked up to the soldiers and in gave them a piece of her mind.
In her teens and early twenties she worked caring for over 20 very ill children, in a pediatric care home. Later on, she worked as a maid, and selling tickets at a cinema. When she finished selling tickets she would climb up into the film booth with her brothers to watch as much of the movie as she could. Her father loved that three of his kids worked in the Movie Theater because they could all get in for free.
While still a teenager, she was struck down by a severe case of Rheumatic Fever. If not for the brave and determined efforts of a skilled and compassionate physician, she would not have made it any further. But even though we know how dear, caring and kind she is, she is also as determined and as strong as any person I have known. Regardless of her challenges and joys, she continued to be the person we have known and love.
Early on, in her twenties, she met her husband to be – Mario Battilana. Soon after, they were married, and headed to Canada for a start at a new life together and the promise of a better future. In Canada, they settled into a very small basement suite, which soon, became even tinier, by the arrival of twins, Randy and Roy. Needless to say, they were motivated to get their own place, and soon. Together Mom and Dad, worked very hard on taking care of their new family and building a new home. They all soon moved into the new home. Mom spent most of her adult life, giving her time and talents to many people.
Dina is known for her amazing cooking – Lasagna, with 15 paper thin layers of homemade pasta, Stufato di Coniccio con Polenta, and Polpette e suggo di fungi. It makes me hungry just thinking about it. Any guests over for dinner, and there were many, always left with a very full belly.
Nonna always loved having her grandchildren over. The freezer was constantly stocked with ice cream bars, the tv already dialed into whatever cartoon show we watched at the time, and playing cards after dinner was a must. Nonna won cards 9 times out of 10 when she played with us, maybe because when we started we could barely hold the 13 cards in our hands but even when we could manage the fistful of cards, she still pulled win after win out from under us. Nonna made sure we ate our favorites whenever we were over. Even the simplest things she made well, stewed green beans cooked in so much butter they melted and tortellini soup that was simple but delicious. I will always be thankful for her teaching me to knit, even though she pulled apart my first square entirely for it being too tight, she took the time to teach me how to hold the needles properly and make my first scarf.
For several decades she worked at the Holy Spirit Parish as a volunteer and also helping in the Rectory. There were too many Spaghetti Diners and Bazars to count. She gave her time freely and generously in so many ways.
Prayers will be offered Sunday, July 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 7455 10th Avenue, Burnaby, BC where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, July 13th at 11:00 a.m.
Dina was predeceased by her husband Mario Battilana, who was a loving husband for over 40 years.
God has you in his hands now, but we will always have you in our hearts.
With love,
All your family and friends.