Vita Tinella

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Vita Tinella on Sunday, March 22nd in her 93rd year. Devoted wife of Angelo (predeceased) and much loved mother of Terri (Bruce), John (Lori) and Peter. Adoring Nonna of Jacob, Gemma, Alyssa and Angelina. She leaves to mourn many cherished friends along with loving family in Italy, Argentina, the US and England.

Given current circumstances, a private service and burial has taken place. We will look forward to honouring a life well-lived with a full Funeral Mass and Celebration of Vita’s Life in future.

You are welcomed to read Vita's Life Story and to leave your expressions of sympathy.





Life Story of Vita Tinella

Vita was born in Locorotondo Italy on July 21st, 1927 and grew up in the Puglian countryside, with her elder brothers Tommaso and Giuseppe. She was smart and scholarly and loved going to school, but she has also shared stories of mischievous antics with her favourite cousins and friends. As a beautiful young woman she certainly turned heads riding about town on her Vespa or enjoying the Italian seaside. She was honoured by so many friends who chose her to be godmother to their children.

While she loved her country and cherished her Italian family and friends, her future was destined to take her far from her roots. In November 1959 she sailed to Canada to marry Angelo, with whom she would build a new life and home. She arrived not knowing a soul and without understanding a word of English. But with her usual determination, she started to create a precious new circle of family and friends.


Vita and Angelo had three children - Terri, John and Peter. They were thrilled to see their family grow - to welcome the in-laws and especially Nonna's adored grandchildren - Jacob, Gemma, Alyssa and Angelina. Nothing was more important to Vita than being with her family, and feeding them with her delicious home-made meals whenever possible. We will think of her whenever we make her famous pasta sauce, stuffed zucchini, eggballs, tortellini soup and taralli, among others. Her home was meticulously kept, filled with pictures and mementos of special people and places, and her exceptional pieces of embroidery and hand sewn items. In the summer her flower garden was a showpiece and her meals featured home grown vegetables. Her roses were her pride and joy. She wouldn't let you leave without taking a bouquet of flowers with you. She had a special connection with all of nature. She loved all animals, the birds followed her as friends and everything seemed to blossom with her magic touch.

Vita's circle of friends started to grow too. She truly cherished her friends who became her Canadian family. She shared with them her love of flowers, of food, and of daily life. To many she was like a second mother or older sister. She had great fun in the retirement years traveling with Angelo and close friends. But she also savoured the simple joy of sharing a cup of espresso coffee or playing a game of cards at home. Her friends have always been so dear to her and she kept them for life.

Vita's deep faith kept her strong in both good and difficult times. She was a regular on Sundays at St. Mary's Church, and the Daily TV Mass sustained her from home. She constantly prayed for everyone she loved. Of her many trips and pilgrimages, her favourite was her journey to the Holy Land.

Although Vita was small in stature she was a big personality. She was fiercely independent. Throughout her life she showed great strength and determination, yet her heart was the softest and most compassionate around.


Vita passed peacefully on March 22nd, 2020. She touched the lives of so many around her and will be deeply missed by all. May she rest in peace.