It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dina Piva at 86 years of age.
She is survived by her children Mario Piva (Cindy), Laura Piva-Babcock (James Babcock), Dennis Piva (Amber). She was nonna to her grandchildren Kailyn Kozub (Derek), Lindsay Piva (Reid Plasterer), Tiana Heichert (Eric), Alana Babcock (Graham Scott), Claire Babcock, Alex Piva and Joey Piva. She was also bisnonna to the lights of her life Myles Kozub and Ellie Heichert. She is predeceased by her husband Rino, parents Adele and Riccardo, brother Guido and in-laws Irma and Angelo.
Dina was born in Cornuda in the province of Treviso in northern Italy. As a child she was a self-described tomboy who climbed trees to “borrow” fruit from the neighbours. She loved flowers and being creative with what little the family had in the shadow of the second world war. At 19, she met Rino who was briefly visiting Italy after moving to Canada. After corresponding for many months, he proposed. She travelled to Kamloops in the summer of 1960 and they married that fall. Together they operated the Vendome Rooms, which she kept meticulously clean for two decades before they sold and moved to North Kamloops. Dina later worked as a seamstress for Val-Anna Fashions and cooked for the Colombo Hall. She was an amazing cook both at the Hall and at home.
Dina was a member of the Can-Ital Ladies and the former Little Flower Society. A woman of boundless energy and many interests, she loved her flower garden, the outdoors and the weekend picnics with their Italian friends, where she was an excellent bocce player. She was also known for telling great jokes that everyone waited for her to tell at gatherings. Dina was an excellent singer who knew the all the words to so many songs, singing up until the end. Dina had a full, rich life. She was blessed with good health, a community of friends and a loving family.
Many thanks to Shadi, Denise and Katie for helping to care for mom over her final months.
Funeral Mass to be held March 11 at 11:00 a.m. at OLPH Catholic Church, 635 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops. Reception to follow in the OLPH gym.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com