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Mary Lou Vella
July 12, 1939 - January 14, 2017
Tribute
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary-Lou Vella, on January 14. She is joyfully gone to be with God; Domenic, the love of her life; and, in her words “Elvis.”
Mary-Lou was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, in the summer of 1939. She moved to Powell River in 1958 after meeting and falling in love with Domenic on a visit. They kept in touch via love letters for eight months until she and her mother moved to Powell River in 1959. Three short months later, Mary-Lou and our handsome dad were married in September of 1960. Less than five years later, by May of 1965, this prolific couple had four children.
When her youngest was school age, Mary-Lou became secretary at Assumption School, a position she held for 39 years. She loved her job and it showed. In the words of a recent Facebook post by a former student:
Mrs. Vella's beautiful smiles were one of the aspects that lit up Assumption School and days of the students who attended. The warmness of her heart helped to create that magical family-oriented environment that made Assumption School a beautiful place to be.
Mom was blessed with boundless energy. This manifested itself in daily five-mile walks, knitting, baking bread and desserts, winemaking and always trying new recipes at her frequent gourmet dinners. Her infectious “joie de vivre” knit our family together.
The thread that ran through Mary-Lou's life was her love of family. She was happiest when she could say, “I have all my children around me.” This is exactly how she passed away.
Mary-Lou was predeceased by our dad, her husband of 47 years, and is survived by her children: Gay, Dan (Pauline), Jo, Sam and Marc (Nancy); her grandchildren: Aeryn, Braden, David and Zandra; Colin, Chris, Dehl, Leo, Victoria, Miranda and Sophia; her great-grandchildren: Kaydence, Hazel, Nya, Livia and Fynn (with another due in March!); and four of her siblings.
The family has tremendous gratitude to the following: first and foremost, Teresa Bennett, for her tireless dedication to both our mother and ourselves; to the medical community: Doctor Dohm and Doctor May; the homecare nursing staff, including Sheena and Kathleen; occupational therapist Jennifer, the home support staff; and finally to all her friends who visited, sent cards, flowers, goodies and prayers. Mom so enjoyed the time spent with each and every one of you, and we enjoyed the goodies!
Mary-Lou's funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Assumption on Saturday, January 21, at 1 pm, followed by a celebration of life at Carlson Community Club at 2:30 pm. Mom wanted a casual, blue-jean affair for her celebration of life.
Mom refused to join the CWL because, in her words, it “was for old ladies.”
Condolences
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Robin Mitchell
Relation: Friend
I’m at a loss for words, may God give you the comfort you need now and may his peace surround you during this difficult time. Hopefully you’ll be able to reflect back on all the fabulous memories that you have with Mary Lou and smile & laugh as you think about and share those with others.
She was loved and will not be forgotten. If there is anything I can do please don’t hesitate to call.
From: Marta Cecchi
Relation: friend
I am so sorry to hear about Mary Lou untimely death. I have fond memories from the time I lived in Powell River and she was the school secretary and the best pie maker for the baking booth at our Christmas bazaar. She will be remembered as a loving mother and spouse and for her for her daily “I am awsome” attitude. A big hug to everyone, but especially to Mark and Nancy and the children.
From: Shawn and Carrie Campbell
Relation: She was a co-worker at assumption School and remained a very dear and treasured friend. .
On this one year anniversary of her death I pray that our all merciful God will shower Mary Lou, Domenic, and her entire family with his fathomless mercy and blessings. She was a woman of great joy who looked so forward to being with Domenic in Heaven. Mary Lou is missed so much by us
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
January 21, 2017
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Church of the Assumption
7109 Glacier St.
Powell River, BC Canada
7109 Glacier St.
Powell River, BC Canada
Prayers
Date & Time:
January 20, 2017
Beginning at 7:00pm
Location:
Church of the Assumption
7109 Glacier St.
Powell River, BC Canada
7109 Glacier St.
Powell River, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Bloom Wildly
4712 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
604-489-3384
Nicole Quigley
5300 Yukon Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 4H4
www.bloom-therapy.ca
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Send Condolence - For Mary Lou Vella
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