Zena passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Vancouver General Hospital in the early evening of January 8, 2009. She is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her husband Jack of 54 years and her son Peter (Tanya), grandsons David and Michael and granddaughter Nicola.
Zena was born in Kelowna, British Columbia to Carmen and Aida Rantucci, She was the only daughter in the family and is predeceased by her brother Romolo (Evelyn) and will be deeply missed by her two surviving brothers Moroldo (Carol) and Elmo (Emma). Zena will be missed by many friends and family that she touched throughout her life in the Okanagan and Vancouver areas.
Zena loved her hometown of Kelowna. Throughout her life she strived in athletics and was the pitcher of the Kelowna junior girls championship softball team; most notably the 1948/49 and 1949/50 Kelowna Junior Aces who won the provincial title. Zena also represented the Kelowna Owlettes rep basketball team in her hometown.
Zena moved to Vancouver to do her psychiatric nursing training at Riverview Hospital, graduating in 1953. Between 1950-1953 she also played Senior A women’s softball for the team sponsored by a well-known distributing company at that time.
Zena was a maverick and unique woman in her time. She was  a compassionate and loving individual with strong family values that she maintained throughout her lifetime. We will always remember her for her sense of humour and her generous nature.
Prayers will be said Tuesday the 13th of January, 7:00 pm at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 5457 Trafalgar Street, Vancouver, B.C., where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday the 14th of January, 11:00 am, Fr. John Pinto, OCD, celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully acknowledged to the British Columbia Alzheimer Society.

“I have a story to tell. A story about life. About thinking and feeling and speaking from the heart” Love Zena (June, 1965)