Lorusso (Maglio) Rosa "Rosina"

It is with saddened hearts the family of Rosa, “Rosina,” or simply “Nonna,” Lorusso announces her passing at age 91. Rosina peacefully passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Kootenay Lake Hospital with her loving family around her.

Rosina’s life began June 21, 1930 in the village of Arcella, Avellino, Italy, where she grew up in the Campania countryside as the oldest of four children.

Throughout her childhood, Rosina assisted her mother in raising and cooking for her younger siblings while working on the family’s tobacco farm. Her father was away for much of the early years because of the First World War. This, along with the horrific events of World War II, gave the courage for Rosina’s parents, Esterina and Armando Maglio, to move their family out of Italy and to the “Golden Land” of Canada in 1950. Fortunately, Armando already had a brother settling in Canada and this allowed them to easily establish roots in Nelson, British Columbia.

Only a few years of being in Nelson, Rosina found the love of her life. The love story of Tom and Rosina is one of no other. These two were first made aware of one another by photographs given to each of them by friends, all while being on the other ends of the world-Rosina in Nelson, Canada, and Tom in Modugno, Italy. Finally, after some time and a countless amount of letters being exchanged between the two, Tom mailed Rosina a kilogram of nuts, along with a letter. Amongst one of these nuts was a hollowed walnut shell glued back together and containing a gold pendant, nestled inside, to symbolize an engagement ring. Rosina accepted the proposal and Tom arrived in Canada to meet his soon to be bride on a cold winter’s day, where they were married at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate on January 9, 1954 in Nelson, BC.

They built their home in Nelson, with Tom’s own craftmanship in 1960, where Rosina continued to live until her passing. Shortly, thereafter, they filled this home by having three loving children, Michael, Esther, and Grace. It was always more than just a house, it was a place of great meals and baked goods, fun family gatherings, and where countless memories were made with family and friends.

Rosina was an extremely hard worker and always full of energy. Shortly after immigrating she found work at an array of jobs including a cleaner at Mount St. Francis, as well a factory worker at both a matchstick and a jam factory. However, for most of her working life she was at an occupation that also was her passion and talent; she worked as a cook for the students and staff at Notre Dame University, and finally as the lead cook at “All Star” restaurant.

A taste of Rosina’s food will be in the memory of any fortunate soul who was able to taste it. She was a welcoming woman and was always ready for friends and family to pop by unexpectedly. She always had a little plate of meats, cheese and cut up vegetables, from the garden, on-hand in case someone needed a “little snack.” Her freezer literally had perfectly assembled plates of various homemade cakes and cookies ready to go for coffee, should someone drop in with or without warning. This was Rosina’s home, where invitations were not necessary and anyone who knew her felt comfortable to drop by without warning as they would always be welcomed with opened arms and leave Rosina’s with their hearts and souls feeling fuller than when they had first arrived. When not at her home, it was not uncommon to find Rosina “downtown” enjoying her other passion of shopping and searching for the next best deal.

More than anything, Rosina loved spending time, cooking, and sharing food with her nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, family and friends. Rosina was known as “Nonna” to so many more than just her biological offspring. She was a grandmother to not only her own, but to her nieces and nephews and their kids, her children’s friends, her grandchildren’s friends, her neighbour’s kids, and even to the cable person, the mail carrier, literally anyone who met Rosina felt her warmth and love and before long they called her Nonna.

Rosina’s garden is another memory we will cherish forever. This was a passion for both her and Tom. One could smell the aroma from her gorgeous flowers that were in bloom from early spring until late fall. Vegetables of all varieties filled the earth, while fruit trees and grapes vines were spread throughout the yard, but somehow not a drop of soil was ever found in her spotless home. Rosina loved singing and would always join Tom in the many Italian songs, poems, and riddles that they would randomly remember. Rosina’s favourite spot was seated on a chair at the kitchen table, nestled beside the window, where she would gaze and was sure not to miss seeing a person that drove or walked by. Seeing Rosina in this window when one would arrive by foot or by car, was always so welcoming and one of the best memories and feelings that we will all miss. Her radiant smile and waving goodbye when we would sadly have to depart from her beautiful home is a lasting memory for all of us.

Rosina is survived by her three children, son Michael (Yvonne), daughter Esther (Cliff), daughter Grace (David), grandchildren, Nicole, Ryanne (Ashish), Michelle (Alfonso), Anthony (Robin), Christopher (Dominik), Jessica (Andrea), Elysa (Mark), Mitchell, and Mekenna (Mark), James, Joseph. Great grandchildren, Kiana, Anika, Mila, Jackson, Leonardo, and Dario. Also, brother Alfredo (Rosetta). Rosina was predeceased by her mother Esterina and father Armando Maglio; in-laws Grazia and Michele; brother Mario (Dixie), Pasqualina (Siegfreid); brother-in-law Lorenzo (Maria), sister-in-law Rosetta (Lorenzo), Emilia (Raffaele). Rosina had many nieces, nephews and friends all over the world.

Mom, Nonna, Zia, Auntie Rosie, our hearts feel broken now that you’re no longer here and may never be fully healed, but knowing you are at peace in the arms of your loved ones above, provides us the strength to continue on with life through the many beautiful memories of you that we’ll cherish forever. We know you will be watching over us each day, with the flowers always in bloom and the aroma of freshly baked buns.

On behalf of Mike, Esther, Grace and family we are grateful and blessed for the love and support shown to all of us during this difficult time. A special thanks to all the doctors, nursing staff and care aids both at the hospital and at home. Thank you, friends and family who have supported us and helped us. Thank you for the beautiful cards, flowers, and special masses in honour of our mother Rosina. Mom and Nonna, you will be in our thoughts and memories forever.

A Funeral Mass will be held by invitation only, due to COVID-19 restrictions, on Saturday January 22, 2022 at 11 am PST, a livestream will be available at https://www.facebook.com/nelson.cathedral.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made. Thank you.

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada: www.heartandstroke.ca/donate

Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation: www.klhf.org