August 6, 1947 - October 17, 2023
In loving memory ~
On October 17, 2023, our dear one passed, leaving a trail of warmth behind her. Born on August 6, 1947, in her beloved hometown of Ardore Superiore, Calabria, in the south of Italy, Rosa immigrated to Prince Rupert, BC, in 1963 when she was 16. She and her family were finally able to reunite after twelve years away from her dear father.
Soon after arriving, Rosa started working, ambitious from the start. One day, she caught sight of a rosy-cheeked, handsome man working on a rooftop, who became her true and only love, Romilio Salvati.
Early in their marriage, they enjoyed many joyful times with their good friends, going out for dinners, dancing and festivities in each others' homes. Rosa was a knock-out and she loved to dance, enjoying the oldies to her last days. In 1968, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Susan, and in 1972 their daughter Sandra. Rosa and Romi enjoyed the early years raising their children.
Rosa liked to make quick decisions and one day, hearing on the radio that a corner store, Skeena Bill's, was for sale, she decided it would be a good idea for her and Romi to buy it. So they packed up their stuff, and moved their family to the house at the back of the store. Those days in the store were difficult, Rosa caring for a young family and working incredible hours. She was no stranger to hard work: in her childhood she fetched water, picked olives and carried loads from her family farm. Later, she did much labour: in laundries, fisheries, delis and restaurants.
In 1983, Rosa and Romi moved to Victoria for greater opportunities for their daughters and to be with extended family. It was here that she and Romi bought her dream house with a view of the ocean. Rosa continued to work hard to do her part to support the family, but she always made time for those around her, especially her parents, her husband and her children.
At nearly 55, Rosa retired from work to become a full-time nonna. She was the best nonna. The only rule at her house was that there were no rules. In 2004, Rosa went through the most difficult loss of her beloved husband Romi. Despite this, she did eventually go on and continue to spread her light. Her life was always intertwined with the lives of her family members and they were her primary focus.
Rosa was an incredible storyteller, weaving beautiful tales of her hometown of Ardore as a child. She had an amazing memory for the names of the people she had known over her life. She was a lover of beauty, always attracted to embroidery, beautiful dishes, and things that glittered. Rosa was a fantastic cook, like "Iron Chef" fantastic. She cooked many amazing meals for her family over the years and leaves a legacy of recipes for us by which to remember her. Rosa always focused on the important things in life: family and love. Together she and her dearest Romi created a beautiful life.
Our most precious one will be incredibly missed by her large Italian family. Her children Susan (Jose) and Sandra (Chris) will carry her in their hearts forever, as will her grandchildren Sofia, Milena, Lily, Jacob and Zach. Her memory will be held by her sister Graziella as well as her sister and brother-in-law Ascanio and Lisa.
Services to recognize Rosa's life took place on October 25th, 2023 in Victoria, BC. Tributes, if desired, can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.