After a long and courageous battle with cancer, it is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Maria (Ria) Angela Alexandria Licandro-Dicks on March 29, 2023, at the age of 29 years.
Ria leaves to mourn her husband Justin, her daughter Anastasia, parents Vincenzo and Theoni Noula Licandro, sister Gina (Daniel), grandmother Georgia Begleridis, father-in-law Vincent Dicks, mother-in-law Tammy Dicks, sister-in-law Sierra (Nick), brother-in-law Kyle (Jenelle), along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Ria was predeceased by her grandparents Athanasios Begleridis (Georgia), Francesco Licandro, Maria Angela Licandro, John Elliot (Donna) and Douglas Dicks (Merle).
Ria was born on March 9, 1994 in Winnipeg, Manitoba into a large Greek and Italian family.
As a young child, Ria was very adventurous and was never afraid to try new things. She loved swimming, playing soccer, kickboxing and dancing. She also had an interest in learning new languages, knowing four by the age of twelve.
Ria graduated as an honour roll student from Shaftesbury High School in 2012.
She followed her passion of teaching by finishing two degrees at the University of Manitoba. Graduating in 2020 and becoming a French teacher at École Voyageur School, she taught kindergarten and helped with all other ages. Ria was an inspiration for her students and fellow colleagues as she shared her love and shaped the lives of those around her.
When she met Justin, she instantly knew she had found her soulmate. Having many of the same interests, they enjoyed life to the fullest. The summers were filled with bonfires, kayaking, quadding, and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. They happily got engaged on May 17, 2019 and were married June 12, 2021.
Ria and Justin also loved travelling, which included trips to Europe, Punta Cana, and throughout many parts of Canada and the U.S. Together they lived one anothers’ dreams.
She had a strong love for all animals, so much that one day, her dream was to open an animal sanctuary with Justin.
Ria loved music and at any moment you could find her jamming out and singing along to her favourite songs. From rap to country, she loved many genres of music. Ria was always the loudest girl at the concert in the background belting out the songs.
At 27 years old, she gave birth to her daughter Anastasia, who was her pride and joy. There is nothing in the world that Ria loved more than spending time with her child. She was an exceptional mother. Even through the darkest days battling cancer, Anastasia’s smile was the light that made every moment worth fighting for.
Throughout her journey with breast cancer, she fought selflessly to give her family and friends around her every last bit of her love. Her utmost priority was protecting her family. She always had a smile on her face, never complaining, and always making light of her situation. Ria was a warrior, and fought until the very end.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to doctors Dr. M. Venditti, Dr. F. Shariff, Dr. M. Kristjanson, Dr. J. Johnston, Dr. C. Kim and Dr. M. DiBernardo for their continuous care and efforts in extending and giving her a better quality of life.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, with Rev Fr. Nikolaos Tambakis presiding. Burial to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery.
The service can be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/J4ppCEs8RiQ?feature=share
11 thoughts on “Maria (Ria) Angela Alexandria Licandro-Dicks”
Noula, Dimitra, Georgia and family, My heart is bleeding for your family in this time of such heartache. May her memory be eternal and may one day you find comfort in her memory that will bring a smile to your faces.
Noula and Vince I am so very sorry for your loss.
Our deepest condolences to Ria’s entire family, all of her friends, relatives and colleagues. We cannot imagine the pain and grief you are all feeling. We will keep you in our prayers and hearts. Vince and Noula – there are no words. Sending massive love to you both. To Justin, trust in your strength and lean on all those around you. To your beautiful daughter – know you will carry your mother’s love forever in your heart and she is watching over you.
Immense Love from Vancouver, British Columbia: Mary and Darren Lestage, together with my mother Emilia Barbuscio, brother Domenic and his partner Anna
We don’t have the words to express how sorry we are to hear about your loss. Ria sounded like she was an incredible person and wished that we had a chance to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
We are so sorry for your loss, no words we say can heal your hearts. Our deepest condolences. Joe and Susan Castro
I struggle to find the right words because I simply feel that there aren’t any powerful enough or helpful enough to convey my message – especially when words mean so little after such a loss. I can imagine no deeper pain than what you are feeling right now, but please remember to use the support that surrounds you. Every bit of my heart goes out to you and I pray that you continue to see Maria’s spirit shine in the most precious gift she could share with you …. little Anastasia. Be kind and patient with yourselves as there are no rules or timelines when you are grieving. I am so sorry that you are going through this and I offer you and my sincerest condolences.
Rachelle
My son had the pleasure of being taught kindergarten by Mme Ria last year. He really loved her gentle and kind energy and she made him feel comfortable in the classroom. We really appreciate that she went above and beyond for her students.
She will be missed. Deepest condolences on her passing.
Noula and Vince, and Family
We are sending our love to all of you. Ria was truly a special person, and our hearts are broken. We enjoyed watching Ria grow from the cute and spirited little girl who used to play with Gina and Duncan – into a beautiful young woman, both inside and out. Ria always had a very kind and generous nature, both towards people and animals. We felt so grateful that as a teenager she was willing to take care of Hershey while we were away, and we trusted her completely. Ria grew from a loving daughter and sister into a wonderful teacher, wife, and mother. She has been a blessing to those around her. Ria and Justin even adopted my lonely classroom fish into their own family of fish! What an amazing couple and amazing parents! Anastasia has great role models in the two of you, and she is a very special little girl. We will always treasure our memories of Ria, and we know that her kind spirit will shine on.
Love from Kim and Don, Duncan and Vita
Noula, Vince and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May all the beautiful memories of Ria get you through the days, weeks and months ahead. Hugs, Gail and Justice Letain
Vince,Noula and Family,
It is with a sad heart that I am writing this. I cannot imagine your loss and my deepest condolences to your family. There is no greater pain for parents, may you cherish all the wonderful memories .Arsenio Silva
Noula, Vince, Justin, and all the many family and treasured friends, my heartfelt condolences go out to all of you on the loss of precious Ria. May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you made together.