September 5, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother/grandmother, Aurelia Candeloro on September 5th, 2020 in her home at Coldstream Meadows.
Aurelia was born in Campobasso, Italy on June 12th, 1940. She was the 8th child in a family of 12. She grew up in the small town of Mirabello Sannitico helping her large family with chores at home and on the small farm the family owned.
At the age of nineteen unbeknownst to her she went to work for her future in-laws in a small bakery/store. In the summer of 1960 Andrea Candeloro returned to Italy (from Canada) to visit his parents. Four months later, on October 1st, 1960 they were married in the small church they had both attended throughout their entire childhood.
In January of 1961 Aurelia immigrated to Canada and began working in the bustling garment industry in Montreal mainly as a Cobbler. During her time in Montreal she worked for the British Rubber Company, Dorval International airport and Pom Bakery.
In 1962 she gave birth to her son (Joe) and in 1966 to her daughter (Maria).
In 1985 Aurelia and her husband Andrea moved to Burnaby. There she went to work at Head Boots in Vancouver which specialized in work boots for the lumber industry. She remained there until she retired. During this period she also worked with a catering company on the weekends.
In 2005 at the age of 65 she was diagnosed with lung cancer. A disease she fought against tooth and nail until the very end.
In 2013 with her cancer advancing Aurelia and Andrea made the decision to move to Vernon to be closer to their grandchildren. Upon arriving in Vernon Andrea fell ill and passed away within 3 weeks. Being newly widowed in a new home Aurelia immersed herself into the social life at Coldstream meadows participating in the many activities available including the knitting club. She took great pride in knitting hats for cancer patients at VGH and felt this is the least she could do for people suffering from Cancer like her.
Mom's passions included, cooking, gardening, talking and visiting with friends, playing cards and of course spoiling her grandchildren.
Aurelia will be missed by her children Joe (Shelley) Vernon, BC, Maria, Phoenix, AZ and her grandchildren Aurelia, Toronto, Andrew (Courtney) Edmonton, Nicholas, Vernon, Cassandra, Vernon.
The family would like to Thank all of the Vernon Doctors and care workers who helped mom over the last 7 years. Special thanks to Dr. Humphreys, Dr. Ansdell, Dr. Yacyshyn, Dr. Chan and all your support staff who went above and beyond in tending to her needs.
We want to thank the staff and friends at Coldstream Meadows for all your love and friendship over the past seven years.
We would also like to give a special Thank You to the anonymous author of the poem that was given to the family reflecting the feelings of her friends at Coldstream Meadows. Your poem is too special not to share. It helped make our loss a little easier.
211
211. It's just a number, on a door, in a hall, in a building, in a community.
Outside that door she drew us together. "Come...come...join!!" Outside that door she inspired us. "I go walk"...wearing a smile as big as the world, though she was in such pain. But behind that door was a life.
A full life of... Family, motherhood, Italian feasts made with love, shared with love. Creativity, Pain, Laughter. Thought and thoughtfulness. Frustration, Generosity, Opinions, Friendships, Joy. Hopes and Dreams. Determination. Memories, Sorrow, History, Love, Caring. Hello's and welcomes..... and now her final goodbye.
211. It will take some time before I pass that door without shedding a tear. Although each time I pass, my memories of her are a smiling reminder and inspiration to live my very best life, everyday.....
Before my final goodbye.
The family wishes to Thank you for all for your well wished. In lieu of flowers donations in Aurelia's memory can be made to Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation.
https://vjhfoundation.org/
Funeral Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, BC. 250-542-4333.