Joan CAPITANIO

CAPITANIO, M. Joan
May 21, 1943 – February 6, 2017
Our beloved mother and adored Nonna Joan Capitanio (nee Bett) passed away peacefully in hospital on Monday, February 6 with her husband by her side. After many years of compromised health, Mom slipped away quietly with peace in her heart and free of pain. She is survived by her devoted husband Carlo (of 46 years), her loving children Patrick, Lisa (Derek), Paolo (Jennifer), her brother Stephen and the lights of her life, her treasured grandchildren: Ruby, Gabriella, Conor, Mia and Alexander. Born in Edmonton, Alberta to Margaret and Clive Bett, Joan was raised in Victoria, BC with her younger brother Stephen. Joan was a devoted sister, a kind and generous aunt and godmother and a considerate, thoughtful friend to so many. She will be dearly missed by nieces and nephews, her many life-long friends and family in England and Italy. Joan left Victoria after graduation from business college and ventured with a friend to travel Europe by train and boat. It was a grand and ambitious adventure that inspired her children to be world travelers years later. She worked in secretarial positons for the government, Bank of Montreal and Reynolds Bearings. In 1968 she met Carlo and in 1970 they were married. They settled into their first home on Normandy Drive that same year and together they started a construction company in the basement that spanned 38 years. In 1984 they built their dream home across the street. Joan's 'castle' brought her much joy and satisfaction as it was always a busy hub filled with friends and many special gatherings. Joan loved being part of the Italian community and together Mom and Dad enjoyed a lifetime of strong friendships, travel, good food and dancing with this generous community. Joan's great accomplishment was her family but even more so it was her grandchildren. For almost 10 years Mom got to experience the most pure joy of being a Nonna and she excelled in this role because of her great pride and devotion, her unconditional love, curiosity, interest, kindness and selfless generosity. Her love was boundless and her grandchildren benefitted from this constancy and affection. They gave her so much purpose, joy and contentment. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 16 at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at 555 Slocan Street in Vancouver at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Joan's Life will follow at the nearby Famee Furlane Hall at 2605 E. Pender Street, Vancouver. The Capitanio family wishes to thank the caring, compassionate and professional nurses and specialists on 2 East and 7 West at Lions Gate Hospital (LGH) who cared for our dear mother in her last weeks and also Dr. Mainra. A special thanks to Dr. B. Miles and Rona whose care she was under for more than 50 years. In lieu of flowers, Mom's special request was for donations to be directed to the Breath Program at LGH and also the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Mom, your devotion to your family and friends and your gentle heart and boundless love will sustain us for a lifetime. You are forever in our hearts, Nonna.
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