December 23, 1936 - June 16, 2022
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and Nonna, Rina Sandri, on June 16, 2022, at the age of 85 years. Rina was born in Rosà, Vicenza, Italy in December of 1936 to parents Antonio and Angela Piotto.
Rina started working at a very young age as a nanny at the age of 14 and then worked in a couple of factories until she immigrated to Canada in 1963 and married Victor and lived in Cumberland for 54 years. Rina was proud to obtain her Canadian Citizenship in 1978. She worked for Comox Valley Homemakers in the early 1980s, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and then worked at Cumberland Lodge for over 15 years until she retired.
Rina was always very hard-working and active. In true Nonna style, Rina loved to cook and feed people. She loved her espresso, making bread, pasta, and everyone always loved her homemade pizza. She also enjoyed her garden and hosting card games every Friday night in her home with her Italian friends for over 30 years. Rina was a very kind, loving, and thoughtful person. She loved entertaining and welcomed anyone and everyone into her home. Rina adored her grandchildren; they were her world.
Rina was predeceased by her husband, Victor; her parents, Antonio and Angela; three sisters and one brother. She will be dearly missed by her two sons, Steve, and Marko; her daughter, Lisa (Terry); her grandchildren, Sienna, Lucas, Andrea, and Ethan, and many relatives back in Italy. Rina had many close friends and will be very deeply missed.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Glacier View Lodge, and all the caring staff; especially, the staff in the special care unit for their kindness and compassion over the past 2.5 years. As well as Dr. Susan Hunter, Nurse Shannon, Deacon Daniel and Father David from Christ The King Catholic Church, and Rina's friend, Donna Edwards for all her help over the years.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Rina's honour may be made directly to Glacier View Lodge. A family graveside service has taken place at the Cumberland Cemetery, where she was laid to rest with her husband, Victor.