April 12, 2019
Amelia (Noni) passed away with family by her side on Friday, April 12, 2019 at the age of 79. Survived by her three children; daughter Daniela (Ian) Macdonald; sons Louie (Sherri), Tony (Joanne); grandchildren Michael, Kenzie, Nicole, Devon, Megan (Elijah); brothers Livio Basso, Arnaldo (Rosa) Basso; sisters Vanina (Davide) Ricciardi, Mirella Griggio, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Anton on July 11, 2013; her brothers Elio, Attilio, Luciano and sisters Augusta and Mici.
Amelia was born on May 24, 1939 in Casarsa, Italy. She left Italy in 1959 to visit her brothers in Prince Rupert, a visit that turned out to be a one-way trip. Like many immigrants, Amelia worked very hard at various jobs upon her arrival in Prince Rupert. It was in Prince Rupert where Amelia met the love of her life, Anton (Tony) Gorjanc, and where they raised their three children. After working 20 years in the Royal Fish Plant, Amelia retired and moved with Tony to Kelowna in 1992.
She continued to enjoy bowling, bingo, Bocce, card playing, Yahtzee, cooking, knitting, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Amelia cherished and constantly doted on all her grandchildren. She spent endless hours cooking for them, hosting sleepovers, re-watching favourite movies, and playing with them in the back-yard pool.
Following the loss of her husband, Amelia's battle with depression recurred. She fought bravely, but after 5 years of suffering, it was determined that her illness was incurable due to other medical factors. She lost her battle and we lost our precious, loving mother and grandmother. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care, compassion, guidance and assistance of the nurses, care aides and staff of Spring Valley Care Centre.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 10 am at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, www.cmha.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada,www.heartandstroke.ca. Condolences may be sent to the family by visitingwww.springfieldfuneralhome.com.