Obituary of ITALIA VACCHIO

ITALIA VACCHIO

(nee D’ARGENIO)

July 7, 1942 – January 24, 2021

Italia Vacchio our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at the age of 78 at Concordia Place Personal Care Home.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Michele; children: Decio (Rosa), Silvana King (Dave), and Antonio; grandchildren: Nicole, Erica and Genna; sisters Rosa, who resides in Italy and Anna (Giovanni) from Winnipeg; and her numerous nephews and nieces, as well as many friends.

She was predeceased by brothers, Luigi and Antonio, sisters Giuseppina, Maria and Assunta; parents Antonio and Genoveffa D’argenio.

Italia was the last child born into a large family of 8 in Manocalzati, Avellino, Italy during World War II. She spoke fondly of growing up as a young girl in Italy, but always reminded us how times were tough.

She immigrated to Canada by ship in 1960 with her parents, arriving in Halifax and then taking a long train ride to Winnipeg. Italia and her parents lived with her brother Antonio for a couple of years in a house in Point Douglas.

She knew and met her future husband in Italy before coming to Canada. They never dated in person, but shared long distance letters to one another for the next 3 years. Italia then went back to Italy to marry Michele on February 16, 1963. Her husband went back to working in Switzerland and Italia went back to Canada. Michele was finally able to immigrate and join Italia in Canada. They were reunited September of 1963, to live, love and raise their family.

Italia was a hardworking and passionate seamstress. She worked from her home for a brief time while raising a family of 3 children. Italia was only able to work until she was 39 years old when her health started to fail.

She loved cooking, gardening and looking after her beautiful flowers. Italia loved her summer barbeques in the backyard and at Kildonan Park. She loved her family so much and always put their needs first and her needs last. She enjoyed dinner parties with family and friends.

She always managed to smile and laugh even though she struggled with pain. When she was at her best and healthy she loved life and had a way of making you laugh by how she would say it. Most people loved her for being brave and speaking her mind. Deep down Italia was a kind, loving and generous woman who invited many family and friends to her home for hospitality, great food and laughs.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Avenue with Rev. Fr. Samuel N. Argenziano officiating. Entombment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, Chapel Mausoleum, 3990 Portage Avenue. .

The family would like to thank the staff at Concordia Place Personal Care Home for their loving care and giving her constant companionship and hugs when we could not.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Manitoba Lung Association in her memory.

To view the livestream please visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw-fXUobNow0eXQSX0B3t1w/videos

We love you Mamma, may you Rest in Peace.