Velia Benedetta Porretta

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Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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Velia was born in Fontechiari, Italy on April 28th, 1952 to father Antonio Colonnello and mother Antonia Gizzi. They were briefly a family of four, as she had a little brother, Quirino, who passed at three years old.

She came to Canada at 18 years old to make a life with her new husband, Angelo. They were happily married for over 51 years and built a wonderful life and successful business together. They had a son, Attilio (married to Katie), two daughters, Maria and Stefania (married to Vince), and eventually, two incredible grandsons, Anthony and Lucas.

Velia was not only beautiful and smart. She was generous, kind, and most definitely friendly and approachable. She was known for making friends everywhere she went, whether she was running professional errands or simply grocery shopping for a big Sunday family lunch. People gravitated toward her naturally, and a simple conversation with a stranger in a produce aisle often resulted in a new lifelong friendship.

Velia had the greenest thumb of anyone you will ever meet. Her vegetable garden flourished every year, and every summer weekend she'd make sure her kids left her home with plenty of fresh vegetables for the week. Her front lawn flower garden has also been recognized for municipal awards because it's always so pretty. She made the best pasta, especially her gnocchi, which she made with extra love for her grandchildren.

People will often say that their mother is their best friend, but to say it that simply about our mother would do her a disservice. As much as she really was our best friend, she loved her husband, kids, and grandkids more fiercely than any best friend ever could. She sacrificed for her family more than any best friend ever could. She prayed for her family harder than any best friend ever could. And she will be missed by all of us more than any best friend ever would. Velia lived for her family. She was a mother and grandmother before all else, and the best one there ever was.

Mom, Ma, Mommy, Nonna, Velia, your family and friends love you more than we could ever put into words. Your infectious energy and kind soul touched the lives of - and left lasting impressions on - everyone you ever encountered. We will all carry you in our hearts forever.