Mona Grace Piazza passed peacefully into the presence of her Saviour, Jesus, surrounded by family on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the age of 85. She leaves behind Bert, her husband of 65 years.
Mona was born on July 8, 1931 in Atwater, Saskatchewan to Axel and Margaret Ulveland. She was born at home, eight weeks premature. The priest was called to baptize her because she was not expected to live. But Mona did not give up easily—her feisty resilience pulled her through just as it continued to do throughout her life.
Mona grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan and Salmon Arm, British Columbia before moving to Kamloops with her
family. It was in Kamloops where she met and married her love, Bert, on June 16, 1951. Over the next twenty four years, she poured her life into raising their seven children as a stay-at-home Mom. Coming home from school to fresh baked bread and Friday night spaghetti are some of her children’s favorite memories.
Mona began working at the Aberdeen McDonalds after her youngest son started school and spent the next 15 years as a trusted and respected member of the team, being selected as the employee of the month numerous times, and eventually being joined by that same son who actually became her manager at one point. Even after retiring, she could still be found at McDonalds, with Bert, every Monday and Saturday morning, having her Bacon ‘n Egg McMuffin and coffee. And her coffee was no ordinary coffee—Mona was very particular with how she ordered it—it had to be just right!
After moving to Ponderosa Place in 1999, Mona became very involved in organizing social activities and enjoyed visiting with and helping her many friends. She was known for her cheerful smile, her witty sense of humour and preferred to always forgive others, rather than hold a grudge.
Mourning the loss of their mother are Garry (Liz), Bonnie (Alan), Jim (Patsy), Sandy (Ben), Linda (Bernie), Cheryl (Todd), Rob (Kumi), and Cindy (mother of Michelle and
Mike).
Also her seventeen grandchildren: Nic (Laurie), Jenny (Garrett), Tyler, Jason (Julie), Michelle (Gaston), Mike, Elizabeth, Rachel, Amy (Joe), Gayle, Curtis (Caitlyn),Andrew (Lyndsey), Jenny (Josh), Rishelle (Sean), Amanda (Steven), Cassie (Nigel), and Toddy (Zaria); and her seventeen great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Noelle, Rory, Norah, Mikayla, Heidi, Darin, Blaik, Lexi, Ivey, Nash, Alex, Kinsley, Ryan, Rylee, Eden, and London. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life and she faithfully prayed for each of them. Also left to cherish her memory is her brother, Lorne (Lorraine), and niece, Doreen (Mitch) who was like a sister to her, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her parents Axel and Margaret Ulveland, her brothers Rocky, Ralph, Harold, Allan, Clarence, and her sisters Margaret, Lill and Normie, as well as five infant siblings.
Mona will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her, and her sweet smile will be forever in our memories.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, at the Summit Drive Church, 1975 Summit Drive, Kamloops, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to:
Alzheimer Society of Canada www.alzheimer.ca
20 Eglinton Ave. W
16th Floor
Toronto, ON M4R 1K8
Or
Variety – The Children’s Charity www.variety.bc.ca
4300 Still Creek Dr.
Burnaby, BC V5C 6C6
5 Tributes
Mona was a gem, one of my favorite ladies, I remember her when we lived on Battle St and she would babysit my brother and I, always had a close relationship, stayed one summer in Salmon Arm when Uncle Bert worked for the Dept of Highways,spent many days with Mona and the KIDS, talked on the phone 3 or 4 times a year as she was always interested in my life and Rena’s life, she will be missed very much, RIP xoxo
Dear Uncle Bert, Garry and Bonnie and all Auntie Monas family. We are so saddened to hear that she has padded away. We always remember her beautiful smile and wonderful laugh. I remember years ago when she and Cheryl stayed with us in Coquitlam when Bonnie was in hospital, and she told me that my Dad (Buss Plummer) reminded her of John Wayne and I said, really and she said really. Well from then on I did look at my Dad differently and when I see an old John Wayne movie I remember that day. Just a little memory and I know you all have beautiful and happt memories of her. Love to all, Babe and Don, Greg, Diordan, Scott and Stella, Santos and Raquel/
Dear Family, condolences to all of you. I grew up next door playing with you Bonnie. I played with the rabbits and I remember your mom made root beer and donuts. I thought I was in heaven, and I am sure your mom is there now. Take care. Joyce Blair nee (Krestinsky)
Sincere sympathy to Bert Piazza and his family on the passing of Mona. She was a very special sister to Lorne.
Dear Family…never had the opportunity to meet Mona, however, we knew her husband Bert very well from our days at our cabin at Face Lake. She must have been a fabulous, loving and caring women…because Bert was the same. We are saddened by the news of their passing…we spoke with Bert every Christmas and sent him Birthday cards every January. We will miss them both very much…truly lovely people to have had the opportunity to be blessed to meet. May God take care of them both and may they find much happiness and peace together. Love the Bilawchuk Family