It is with such heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Colombina DiBonaventura, at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC on Monday June 3rd, 2019 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Elce, Abruzzo Italy on June 4, 1940, she was the beloved daughter of the late Giovanni and Teresa (Baiani) DiSaverio. In 1954, Colombina moved to Canada with her parents and two sisters at the age of 14. Upon arrival to Canada, she soon realized that she needed to learn not only one new language, but two. She embraced the challenge and quickly learned both English and French. She subsequently helped many Italians who came to Moncton afterwards.
Colombina remained in Moncton where she married and raised her family. She worked at home doing bookkeeping for the small family business and when she felt her children were old enough, returned to work outside the home with Sobeys.
Tiny but tough, Colombina had an unconditional love for her family and friends. She loved nothing more than to make sure her children and grandchildren were properly fed. Sundays will never be the same without her lunch time meals.
Despite her progressive physical struggles in the past year, she never once complained, always assuring us she was OK and better days were coming. She lived her life with a strong sense of values, she taught us that a kind gesture would never be wasted. All that knew her loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed by her children: Franca, Bill, Serge and Marco; her five grandchildren whom she adored with all her heart: Gino (Emanuele), Franco, Mario, Giuliana and Patrick; her two sisters: Lucy (Angelo) and Lisa (late Ludovico); her brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Mario (late Angiolina), Guerino and Valentina; many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bruno (2017), two nieces and a nephew.
On behalf of the family, we would like to express our deepest thanks to the staff at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont hospital, in particular to the staff in Palliative Care, for their wonderful care and compassion.
The family will receive condolences at the Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (858-1900). Visiting hours are Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday from 10 am until time of departure (10:45). The funeral mass will be celebrated at Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix R.C. Church, 87 Murphy Avenue, Moncton on Wednesday June 5 at 11 am. In memory of Colombina, a contribution to the ALS Society would be appreciated.
Words of comfort and donations can be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com