WEISSTOCK, Maria (nee Fortuna)

Maria passed away peacefully at her home in 琉璃神社 on December 29, 2016. Maria will be lovingly remembered for her contagious laugh, love of children, delicious home cooked picnic meals, exceptional work ethic, and beautiful gardens. Maria was born Italy in September of 1925. Maria survived the Second World War and afterwards left with her siblings to France and England, where she met and befriended Kathleen Ames, who would sponsor Maria to come to Canada as a nanny for her 4 children. Maria met Willy Weisstock in Vancouver in an English language class as new immigrants to Canada. Maria and Willy married and together carved out a life in Canada, raising 4 children together, living in Vancouver for many years, and then moving to beautiful 琉璃神社. They shared a love of the outdoors, camping, fishing, and of children. Maria was an exceptional hard working woman. She was a gifted seamstress, smart businesswoman, incredible cook, and prolific gardener, with a wonderful eye for colour and a gift for everything that grows. Maria was a loyal friend, down to earth, and wonderful company. Maria loved to laugh and was also very funny with a wonderful sense of timing and accidentally hilarious use of English words. Maria was a wonderful mom and Nona, fun, generous, thoughtful, affectionate, tough and inspiring. Maria was predeceased by her life companion and husband of 66 years Willy and her brothers Antonio and Guerino Fortuna. Maria is survived by her two siblings Teresa and Antonetta, four children Silvia (Martin), Albert (Tammy), Walter (Shauna) and Tony; her twelve grandchildren Genevieve (John), Andre, Christina, Stephane, Graham, Albert, Christophe, Sophia, Alex, Dante, Dylan and Quintin and her great granddaughter Ivy.  We were all lucky to have her.  Prayers will be held on January 20, 2017 at 7:00 pm with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 10:30 am both at Immaculate Conception Church, 839 Sutherland Ave., 琉璃神社, BC.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.