Solidea "Dea" BUNKIEWICZ

With sad hearts, we announce the passing of our mamma and nonna at age ninety-four on the morning of January 22, 2021, at St. Peter's Hospital. Dea was the eldest of six children born to Maria and Giuseppe. Growing up in the picturesque village of Calcinelli in Le Marche, she lived through the occupation and liberation of Italy during the Second World War. Miraculously, she was physically unscathed by the explosion of a landmine that injured her siblings and took the life of her youngest brother. Her journey would take her from Calcinelli to Buenos Aires, to Rome, and finally to Hamilton. In search of a better life for her three children, Dea immigrated to Canada at age thirty-nine to reunite with her parents and siblings, who had immigrated earlier. She worked as a dietary aide at St. Joseph's Hospital for twenty-three years, and although faced with challenges and struggles as a single mother, she achieved the dream of home ownership through hard work, determination, and an iron will. Dea was happiest when spending time with her family, whether staying at the cottage in Wasaga Beach every summer, meeting with siblings or coworkers for coffee at Limeridge or a pizza at Fortino's, or cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the softball field, swimming pool, and hockey arena. She loved to travel and explore new places, especially sunny destinations with sandy beaches, and spent extended holidays in Australia and British Columbia after retirement to be close to her grandchildren. Dea was an avid gardener and a lifelong sports fan, supporting S.S. Lazio, Scuderia Ferrari, the Blue Jays, and the Maple Leafs. Having learned to drive at fifty, she relished that independence until her mid eighties. Dea was preceded in death by her beloved daughter and best friend, Leontina (Leo), whose passing broke her heart and spirit, as well as by her brother Antimo and sister Anna (late Silverio). She will be missed by her devoted son, Romano, and her daughter Simonetta (Pierre), as well as her sisters Vanda (late Mario) and Ida (late Sigismondo), her brother Manlio (Violet), and her many nieces and nephews. Dea was an involved and loving grandmother to Monica (Chris), Sabrina (Lou), Talia (Mark), and Adria and step-grandmother to Maxine (Jeff). She was delighted to be a great-grandmother to Nico and Lucas, who brought even more pride and joy to her life. The family thanks the staff at Villa Italia, Dea's home for the past three years, as well as the medical staff at Hamilton General Hospital's 5 West and 7 West and at St. Peter's Hospital. The cremation has taken place, and a memorial will be planned for a time when COVID no longer poses a health threat. In lieu of flowers, if your circumstances permit, please consider making a donation to your favourite charity in Dea's memory. Private family arrangements entrusted to Bay Gardens Funeral Home (HAMILTON). Please sign the online Book of Condolences at www.baygardens.ca Mom, you were a central and vital part of our family. Your passing has left a void in our lives, but we will always remember you with heartfelt gratitude and love.