Antonietta Vanda Alberto nee Velardi

December 30, 1942 – February 5, 2023 

With sadness the family announces the passing of Antonietta on Sunday, February 5, 2023.  

She is survived by her children Peter Alberto, Viola Bauer and Leo Alberto; grandchildren, Angelina and Vincenzo Alberto (Peter and Toreena Alberto); and Anthony and Alexander Bauer (Viola and Rob Bauer); her dog Bandit and dog father Leo; sister-in-law Karen Alberto; along with nieces and nephews, Viola (Ryan) and Emily Pritchard and Peter and David Alberto. In her hometown in Italy, the Velardi and Alberto family, Gerardo, Mario, and Dario and their families including many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Antonietta was predeceased by her daughter Tanya Alberto; husband Antonio Alberto; brother-in-law Nick Alberto; her brothers and sisters Velardi – Maria, Natale, Pepe, Giovanna, and Lina; her father Gaetano; mother Angela Velardi; in-laws Pietro Alberto and Aurelia Levato; sister-in-law Viola Alberto in Sacco; and nephew Vincenzo Sacco.

Antonietta was born in St Pietro Magisano Calabria, Italy on December 30, 1942. She studied to be a seamstress at a young age but always had eyes towards ministry and was always deeply devoted to God. She was the youngest daughter of six siblings; weighing in at a whole 4 lbs. Antonietta was a special little surprise package. 

Antonietta married Antonio Alberto and moved to Canada to start their life in 1968, celebrating their wedding with their new community. After arriving in Halifax by boat, then to Winnipeg by train, Antonietta started her family and her journey living in Canada. She became a Permanent Resident in 1968.

She worked in leather and sewing factories and tailoring shops. She did piece work from home on evenings and weekends with her husband for several years; this earned their opportunity to move from a rental house on Lipton St., to buying their first home on Pacific Ave., and then finally raising their family in their River Heights home on Renfrew St. 

She welcomed four children into the world, Peter, Viola, Tanya (in 1977, who sadly passed away from Leukaemia in 1978), and Leo. She became the strictest mother and was adopted the “Italian Mama” of the neighbourhood. Mrs. Alberto was always there for so many, helping several families and friends over the years. She was a loving and joyful stay at home mother, with a devout love for God and singing. 

She became a devoted Jehovah’s Witness in 1977 and dedicated her life to serving Jehovah God until her last breath. One of her happiest times was her water baptism in 1996. Her dedication to her faith and bringing others into the good word of the Lord was her life mission. She always was grateful to the Lord for ever.

She loved the opera, singing and attending. She would remind us daily that singing and following the Lord Jehovah God was the key to happiness. “You will never be depressed if you sing. Sing it away! SING, SING, SING!” “Canta e ti pasa! Sing and it will pass!”

 

Antonietta learned English as a second language, and she enjoyed her Italian cultural community. She spoke a little bit of several languages including Spanish, Ukrainian and German. She was studious and always eager to learn new skills.

She became a single mother of three and began her life as an entrepreneur. Her career evolved as she did. She created multiple income streams to raise her children independently. Antonietta managed her own home daycare and became a Landlady, renting out all she could, including the garage, the parking lot and even the garden and tenement property. Some of her favourite places of employment included The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (sewing dresses on to ballerina Miss Evelyn hart), Fiat, The Canadian Military, and ultimately owning her own Tailor shops – La Gioconda Tailors and Tonys Custom Tailors. 

Antonietta enjoyed spending time with her lady friends that she met in her sewing career. She found great comfort in her friendship with her best, cherished friend Carmela Tuzzolini. Together they created happy memories for their families facing adversities and supporting each other through difficult times. 

Garage sales and thrift store shopping with Maria Giardino and Theresa Dottavio were always on the agenda. She lived life to the fullest and cherished her close and supportive friends, the Nazarkos – our Irish neighbors, The Oppedisanos – our Italian godparents and her beloved “Cousin Klaus” also known as her handyman of 30 years. She retired at 64 years old. She closed Tonys Custom Tailors and opened shop in her home, continuing to serve her friends and family for as long as she could.

Her joy of travel began after her retirement. She started with taking bus tours across Manitoba with her beloved and cherished friend Sharon. Together they travelled to over 30 places in Canada. She also enjoyed frequent perks of travelling with her flight attendant daughter; travelling abroad, from coast to coast in Canada. She enjoyed the Canadian Rockies, whale watching in Newfoundland, Niagara Falls and West Edmonton Mall with her grandchildren and of course frequent trips back home to Italy.

At 70 years old, she was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. She fought Common Variable Immune Disorder for 20 years and was a survivor of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma/cancer. Antonietta appreciated a natural healing approach and made good healthy choices. In her retirement she always made herself and her resources available to raising her grandchildren. Helping raise the grandchildren, she fulfilled her greatest role as “Nonnina”. She cherished her dog Bandit!

Antonietta was an incredibly strong and tenacious woman. She set her sights on something and she went for it. She fought many adversities as an entrepreneur and brilliant businesswoman. Mama/ Nonnina always said “A penny saved is a penny earned”. Ultimately setting her loved ones up for success, Antonietta gave her family incredible life lessons and wisdom. She taught us to “March Fourth” through adversities. We celebrate her today on March 4, to remind you all to continue living and loving one another in life.

March 4 is National March Forth Day. The central purpose of this holiday is for people to make a special effort to improve their lives and “March Forth” toward their dreams and highest aspirations. Take calculated risks and make the necessary sacrifices; this was how Antonietta lived her life. As we celebrate her life, we encourage you to march fourth and do something for someone or for yourself. Remember to encourage others to march forth. 

The family would like to thank the incredible private staff that helped Antonietta in her final days. A heartfelt thanks to Larissa, Niki, Mariella and the several other health care aids, and senior companions that gave endless love to our beautiful Mama Nita. A special thank you to Dr. Christine Kalicinsky, Dr. Marie Kamini, Dr. Pamela Scrabak and Dr. Greg Eushyan for their years of care and dedication to Antonietta’s health.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m., in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 472 Kirkfield Street at McBey Ave. Reception and gathering to follow in the lower level.

Antonietta’s remains will be spread over her daughter Tanya’s tombstone in Italy and with her parents and siblings.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wheels of Hope, CancerCare Manitoba Volunteer Drivers at: https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation  and/or Willowplace Shelter for Woman/Children at:  https://willowplaceshelter.ca