It is with profound sadness, and everlasting love that the family of Valma (Vilma) Burella, age 90, announce her peaceful passing on the morning of Wednesday September 14, 2016 with her daughters by her side.
Valma was born in Fort William on January 29, 1926 to Italian immigrant parents Oswaldo and Ernesta Daldin.
She lived her entire life in the East End of the city, attending school and raising her family.
In 1946, she married our Dad, Primo Burella and our family began. She looked after everyone and never refused to be of help as long as she could.
Her enjoyment in life was her family, home and gardens. During Mom and Dad’s younger years, they traveled with the “Gang”, childhood friends, who remain to this day. Mom was very proud of her family’s accomplishment.
She also enjoyed being included in our circle of friends. She loved to bake and was affectingly known as “Betty Crocker” to her neighbours.
Her cookie jar was always full, and she generously shared them with everyone. Valma was a pioneer member of St. Dominic’s Altar Society when the church was in the East End, and later as the Catholic Women League of St. Dominic’s Church. She was a life member of the Ladies Venet Society and was so proud of her Italian heritage.
Valma is survived by three daughters; Carol Ann (Brian) McLean; Linda Burella (John Iwasenko) and Lois Pearl (Mike Kopot). Also survived, by her much loved grandsons, Michael McLean (Leanne and great grandchildren Sienna and Liam) and Christopher McLean (Cathy Beaudreau). Her grandsons and their families were Noni’s pride and joy.
She is also survived by her loving sister Mary Margarit and sister-in-law Delores Burella. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Primo; parents Oswaldo and Ernesta Daldin; in-laws Regina and Marino Burella, brothers-in-law Rino Burella, Dino Burella and Orfee Margarit and brother-in-law, and sister-in-law Bruno and Avril Burella.
Visitation and Vigil Prayers beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday September 16th at St. Dominic’s Church on Redwood Avenue with Funeral Mass on Saturday, September 17th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dominic’s Church.
Private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre or the Northern Cancer Research Foundation would be gratefully appreciated.
Valma Burella will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove.
Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017.
