Rosina (Rose) Alvaro our beloved Mother, Nonna, Auntie Rose, died peacefully at VGH on March 17th, 2024 surrounded by loving family.
She is survived by her four children, Joseph (Erica), Rosemarie, Vincent and Dana (Jim), seven adored grandchildren Rosangela, Gloriana, Maria, Sofia, Abigail, Angelina, Rosemarie D, and eighteen great grandchildren. Her loss is also felt by her nieces, nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by John, her beloved husband of more than 60 years, parents Vincenzo and Angelina Agostino and brother Joseph.
Rose came from a proud Italian family and was born in 1927. She was raised in the Strathcona area of Vancouver, where she enjoyed many close and lifelong friendships. She had a thirst for life and “la dolce vita” and enjoyed lifelong learning. At age 85 she mastered the I-pad and smart TV and never looked back.
Worldwide travel also fed her adventurous spirit as she travelled far and wide to Europe, Russia, Middle East, Mexico, Hawaii and Asia over the years.
After raising four children Rose sought other challenges and embarked on a successful career in Real Estate.
Rose was an exquisite homemaker and took pride in ensuring her home was warm and welcoming. Home was a place of hospitality filled with the tantalizing aroma of Italian cookery always accompanied by audible strains of Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald or Jimmy Roselli.
The virtue of hospitality was a hallmark of who she was until the very end. Indeed she wore the mantle of matriarch with gusto. She lived her life to the full in the company of family and friends always taking an active interest in others even in failing health.
Italian heritage was part of the fabric of her life. With family and friends she attended many events at the Italian Cultural Centre and was also a proud member of the women’s group Lega Femminile.
Rose was a woman whose life was marked by active devotion to her Catholic faith which was a source of comfort and hope.
“Riposa in pace cara Mamma.” Grazie.
There will be a Funeral Mass held on April 2nd, 2024 at 10:00am, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 2028 W 7th Avenue, Vancouver BC V6J 1T4.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Sancta Maria House in Vancouver, a recovery home for women.