Tribute

Fides passed away peacefully in Powell River General Hospital at the age of 97. She was born in Codroipo, Italy, the second of four children born to Ottaviano and Erminia (DelTorre) Brandolini.

The entire family immigrated to Canada in August 1920. They lived in Vancouver for a brief period before settling in Powell River. Prior to settling in Riverside, they lived in one of the bunk houses located near the old hospital where they took in boarders.

Fides met the love of her life, Ned Prissinotti, when she was 11 years old and married him seven years later on December 23, 1934. They had two children, Nello in 1936 and Anita in 1940. In 1943 they purchased an acre of land in Westview on the corner of First (Alberni) Street and Joyce Avenue, where they built their home which became a community landmark with its expansive lawn and gardens. Fides and Ned were great gardeners and the family was always well stocked with fresh vegetables, fruit and of course lots of tomatoes for pasta sauce.

The family did not have a car until 1950 so walking was a normal part of her life. It was not uncommon to see Fides on her marathon walks anywhere in the community. She was a brisk walker and keeping up with her was a chore except for Anita who could almost out-walk her mother. Nello remembers having to run to keep up with her when he was young and also when he was old.

Fides was active in the Italian community and loved to go to the many activities at the Italian Hall in Wildwood. She especially liked to dance, play cards, sing in the choir and play bocce.

Sewing was another of her favourite activities. She had a plaque in her sewing room: “She who dies with the most cloth wins.”

The house that she and Ned built was moved to 3510 Joyce in 1968 where they successfully built up their gardens to continue their lifestyle. After Ned passed away in 1998, Fides continued to maintain the house and gardens, however, her eyesight began to fail with macular degeneration and that had a debilitating effect on her normally dynamic lifestyle. Because of her inability to maintain the home, she sold it in December 2009 and moved to the Kiwanis Assisted Living facility.

Fides is survived by her son Nello (Rose) and daughter Anita (Chuck) Royce, along with five grandchildren Carmen Prissinotti (Randy Black), Elaine (Scott) Goddard, Shelley Thalhammer, Richard (Laura) Royce and Paul (Mari) Royce and nine greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, one brother and two sisters, as well as her husband Ned.

Fides will be missed by all who knew this wonderful woman: mother, nonna, biz nonna and friend.