It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful, loving Mom, Valerie Giuliana at St. Joseph's Hospital on January 3, 2024.
Mom was born in Pola, Italy on June 22, 1938. She immigrated to Canada in 1951 with her family.
In 1958, she married the love of her life, Riccardo Lazzari, and soon after, they started their family. Together they enjoyed quality family time, playing cards, evenings out dancing, gardening and traveling, especially to their winter home in Texas.
She was the most loving and selfless Mother, Nana and Bisnana to her treasured family. Valerie was a compassionate caregiver throughout her life, starting with her younger siblings, her own children, then her mother. She was her husband’s devoted caregiver in the final years of his life.
Mom was an incredible cook and will always be remembered for her legendary meals. Everyone was always welcomed into her home. Valerie worked many years in hospitality at the Airlane Hotel and at the Treasure House where she met many long time friends. She was also a member of the Ladies Venet Society.
In the last few years Mom enjoyed occasional escapes with her family across the border for dinner and casino fun.
Valerie is survived and will be forever missed by her children: Inez Lazzari, Laura (Greg) Flett, Luisa Reilly (Walter), Richard (Kyle) Lazzari, grandchildren: Derrick (Heather), Jesse (Kayla),
Brody (Zinnya), Jordan, Breanna (Trevor), Adam, Tavis (Rachael), Victoria (Curtis), and Lucas (Jenn), great grandchildren: Destiny (Karim), Gabe, Luke, Jake, and Calia, loving sisters Lina, Grace, Marisa, brother Joe and many nieces, nephews and other family members in Canada and Italy.
Valerie was predeceased by her beloved husband Riccardo, parents Vincenzo and Anna Levanto, brothers Dario and Frank, sons in-law Jim and Shawn and other family members.
Many thanks are extended to the Rehabilitation and Palliative Care teams at St. Joseph's Hospital for their exceptional kindness and care. A special thank you to Marilyn and Joan for their love and support of our Mom.
As per her wishes, a private family service will be held.
Donations can be made in honour of Valerie to the St. Joseph’s Foundation Hospice Unit.
“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts.”
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
