Obituary of Maria Gallina

1947 - 2008

Maria Gallina passed away at Foothills Hospital with family by her side on Friday, December 19, 2008.

She was born in Cerisano, Italy on May 16, 1947 to Carmine and Concetta Bruno. In 1964, she moved to Canada and settled in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Maria was a devoted mother and Nonna to her children and grandchildren. She was a hard worker and was also involved with the Catholic Church and the Catholic Women's League. She loved the outdoors, maintaining her gardens, visiting with friends, baking Italian treats and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Maria is survived by her children: Gino Gallina (Colleen) of Coquitlam, Roberto Gallina (Emily) of Langley, and Marco Gallina (Carmen) of Cranbrook; grandchildren: Tony, Emily, Brianna, Dalton, Tabitha, Makayla and Alessandria; one sister: Rosetta Zecca (Walter) of Italy; brothers: Giovanni Bruno (Carmella) of Wisconsin, Antonio Bruno of Cranbrook and his children Jose, Juan and Graciella; and Franco Bruno of Italy; brother-in-law: Emilio Gallina of Cranbrook; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy. Maria was predeceased by her mother (1989) and father (1997), and also her former husband and good friend Alfredo Gallina in 1998.

Prayers for Maria will be held on Friday, December 26, 2008 at 7:00 pm at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Cranbrook.

Memorial donations in honour of Maria can be made to either the: Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, Cranbrook Unit, #101, 105 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 2M1 or to the: Canadian Diabetes Association, PO Box 12013 Stn BRM B, Toronto, Ontario, M7Y 2L3.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.Condolences for the family can be offered at:www.mcphersonfh.com