Maria Crema

CREMA _ Maria (Guzzo) June 25, 1939 - July 7, 2006 With much sadness the family announces the passing of our dear mother, nonna and wife. On July 7, 2006 with her family by her side Maria had her final breath that ended her lengthy illness with heart disease. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 48 years, Francesco; children, Lido (Erika), Gina (Cliff), Romeo and Ricki (Nancy); cherished grandchildren, Sebastian, Natalie, Eric, Carling, Michael, and Ryan; brothers and sisters in Italy, Gabriella, Benvenuto, Rosetta, Virginio, Teresa and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Maria was born on June 25, 1939 in Santi Angeli del Montello, Treviso, Italy and came to Canada in 1958 to marry her husband Francesco. Not speaking any English she managed to figure things out quickly and learn the language. She was an incredibly strong and determined woman who faced every challenge with such ease. For many years she could be seen riding her bicycle to Fraser St. to do the shopping, returning loaded with grocery bags dangling off each handle bar and in front and rear baskets. She had a real passion and love of life. Some of her favorite times were spent mushroom picking at secret locations around town. The smile that radiated from her face when she arrived home loaded with mushrooms lite up the kitchen and sparked the curiosity in others to know where she found them. She created the most wholesome suppers for her family and anyone else who dropped in. She always found a way to whip up a plentiful meal for anyone who came around. She worked tirelessly tending her flowers and vegetable gardens. Her love for flowers and nature was most evident in her collection of geraniums, orchids and canaries. For years she collected and grew them, and was happy to show them off to whoever came for a visit. Later in life she became an avid reader and enjoyed doing word search puzzles. Her greatest joy over everything however was her grandchildren. Nonna loved having them over, feeding them, giving them treats and taking care of them. To be there with her in those moments was life at its best. She was the "salt of the earth", a selfless mother with great kindness, caring, honesty and spunk who always put the needs of others first. We love you Nonna, you have touched so many and your presence will live forever in all of us. Special thanks to Dr. Booromand and Dr. Sing for all their years of care and kindness. Prayers will be offered at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 13 from Our Lady of Mercy Church, 7455 - 10th Ave., Burnaby, B.C. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2006. Rev. Joaquim Dias, Celebrant. Entombment will follow at Ocean View Burial Park. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Maria's memory to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Thank You Nonna!