It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alida Passarini on October 18, 2009, surrounded by her family, of a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Left grief-stricken, sister Renza, brother in law Nigel, treasured nephews Zak and Connor, and the beloved family dog Harley. Left to mourn are relatives and friends in Trail, Italy and Vancouver especially Cousins Marisa and Lawrence. She was predeceased by father Ermenegildo (1982), mother Ada (2004), and brother Renzo (1953). Born in Treviso. Italy on September 16, 1947 and immigrated to Trail, B.C. in 1953. After completing her education, she worked for 32 years for West Kootenay Power and Light. Upon retirement, she moved to Victoria (1999) to be closer to her sister and family. Began work at Sears as a beauty advisor and made many good friends through work and at the gym where she was a regular fixture. Alida lived for her family and cherished her time spent with them, especially her two beloved nephews. ‘It was all about the boys.’ One of the highlights of her life was returning to Italy after a 50 year absence; she forged a strong bond with her many relatives. She left a distinct impact on all she met which was evident in the overwhelming support she received during her illness. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. M. Vaughan and his wife Denise and family for their continued support throughout this harrowing ordeal. A special thanks to Laurie Wahl who always reminded her to ‘breathe in breathe out’ and to the many friends that gave so generously of their love and time. Many thanks to the B.C. Cancer Agency doctors and staff especially Drs. Lupe and Halloway, and to all the nurses and staff at Hospice. She is at peace now but we are all left with a huge hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Miss you forever-sweet sister.
No funeral by request. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice in Alida’s memory would be appreciated. A celebration of life will be held at the Uplands Golf Club on November
22, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
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Adelon Paren
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bev white Dear Renza
My sympathies. I was shocked when Mom phoned and told me of your sister’s passing. I remember the summer I went with you to Trail. I met your family, your Dad, Mom and Alida. I remember when Alida moved to Victoria and was with you. I am happy to know she had that time with you and your family. God bless. Sincerely Bev.
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Maria Jackson Dear Renza and family,
I am deeply saddened by Alida’s passing … you both were so nice to me and considered you good friends… I’ll surely miss her a lot.. my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time…my love and sympathies,
Maria
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Amelina [Macri] Cournoyer Dear Renza & Family,
I was so sad to read about your sister Alida in the Trail Times. I know you were very close to her–sometimes when she was still around Trail, I would bump into and ask about you. Such a lovely lady!
Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Sincerely Amelina x0x0x00
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Andrea Brimmell Dear Renza and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Alida’s death. We got to know her from our weekly visits to Sears. She would seek us out if she spotted us in the store, as did we if we saw her. She always asked after our children, Marianne & Andrew, who went to school with her nephews. She would often tell us something of her life. She was indeed a shining star in this world.In Sympathy,
Andrea & Richard Brimmell
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Carmen ( Lorenzi) Mcgregor Renza and Nigel,
We have not seen each other in many years Renza, but I needed you to know that I am thinking of you at this time. I was saddened by the news of Alida, and shocked. I have nothing but good memories of her. God bless you and your family.
Carmen (Lorenzi) Mcgregor
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Joe Catalano Renza, I hope this message gets to you, I share your grief regarding the loss of Alida, I have not seen much of her since she moved away but always chatted with her at the gym .Alida was a very kind and giving person and thats how I will remember her. When, I was little I remember you and your sister coming over to babysit us, now my children call be a dinosaur, time sure flies, My grandparents were Teresina and Emilio, my parents Toots and roger catalano, My prayers are with you, respectfully, joe catalano
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Dana Roberts Renza
sorry to hear about the loss of your sister.
my heart is with you old friend
huggsss for you and your familylove Dana
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Margaret and Greg Blaney Renza, Nigel, Zack and Connor,
We were very surprised and saddened to hear the news of Alida’s passing. Neither of us has been able to stop thinking of her since we heard.
Alida was such a pleasant person. We would often stop and visit with her in Sears as we were passing through. She was always upbeat and genuine, making us feel important to her, every time. Her spirit was infectious and made us feel better for the rest of the day. We will truly miss her.
Please accept our thoughts and prayers and know that we think of you daily and what you must be going through.
Love
Margaret, Greg and Daniel Blaney
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Linda Winje Dear Renza & Family,
My friendship with Alida began in Trail when I so needed a friend like her..She was such a role model in going to the Gym faithfully and just having a coffee after for chats. When I moved to Salt Spring Alida relocated to Victoria so we were able to get together. I so think of her very supportive nature and words to inspire. Tears are blocking me from writing this as I tried to reach her from Cortes Island but should have made more of an effort…so Dear a person she will always be in my thoughts and life. She left us way to soon.
Always an inspiration to me Dear Alida,
Linda Winje
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Cris Cescon Renza and family
No words can possibly comfort you or lessen your sorrow. Alida was one of those SPECIAL people that I loved to meet up with. Full of life and passion, like us Italian girls can be. I’m glad you and your family had these years together in Victoria,’ La famiglia’ is so precious.
Those we love are always with us.
Their laughter and their wisdom, Their advice and thoughtfulness are gifts of love that are ours to keep.
May the gifts of your sister help console you now and fill your hearts with memories that will always comfort you.
HUGS!
Cris Cescon
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Deb (Sloman) Detmold & Murray Detmold To Renza & Family,
As you can imagine, Murray & I were shocked and and deeply saddened to read of Alida’s death in the Trail paper.
Alida was vivacious and beautiful and passionate. She made time to talk to everyone and truly made those of us she connected with feel treasured. She was a joy. The world has lost a wonderful soul. Our hearts go out to you. Know that we grieve with you and would do anything we could to make this tragedy easier for you.
Deb. and Murray Detmold
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Cal Foss Heartfelt sympathies. Never was a sister more cherished or better cared for. There are no answers, only questions. God Bless
Cal.
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Edda and Amelia Dear Renza and family,
Wow, it takes so much energy to express sentiments of this most shocking and incredible sudden loss of Alida . As you know, Alida and I grew up as inseparable best friends / sister-like, and joined at the hip ‘so to speak’. Those years were the best, for we truly had very memorable / happy times always. I have full vision of many, many joyous times to the point where we were both tearing in laughter; this is how I choose to remember Alida. Those times are treasured.Renza, it’s been a long time since I saw you, but your mom & Alida it was 10 years ago, just prior to their move to Victoria, yet seems yesterday. Our respective families were close; even though we moved away, we always visited your family on each return to Trail.
Words cannot express how deeply saddened mom and I are and extend our deepest and heart-felt condolences. We would have cherished to hear at least Alida’s voice again, if only for one last time, until we meet again.Renza, may you and your family be at peace knowing God has the best plan for Alida and each of us….. His children. Alida is truly in a better place, likely as always, joking / laughing with all our loved ones who have gathered around.
Blessings and hugs, Edda & mom Amelia.
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the Hordyks Just to let you know we are thinking of you at this time.
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Donna Torgeson Renza-I just wanted to express my sorrow at the loss of your beautiful sister, Alida. It was only a few weeks ago that we spoke about her and I wanted you to know I understand your pain. Just a short time ago I lost my beloved Wendy. It’s a loss that never goes away but with the love and support of Nigel, Zak and Connor you will be able to continue on your journey with the tenacity and fortitude I know you possess. Alida will be with you always in the memories of the wonderful times you shared.
Sincerely
Donna Torgeson
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Alan and Karen Dolphin Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Don Danchella I am so sorry and very saddened to hear of the passing of my “Buddy” Alida! All the best to the Family. I too worked for 30 plus years for WKP&L. Sincerely Don.
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shirley(angerilli) tulloch Renza and family my condolance, for the loss of ur beloved sisterAlida…The news was such a shock to me since i recently was visiting family in Victoria/ The last time i saw her was the end of may…She is no longer in pain and in a better place …Renza and ur family may god give u the courage to deal with ur sudden tragedy.. god bless u all… shirley
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Richard and Donna Ross Renza and family,
Worked with Alida for many years at West Kootenay Power. She was an outstanding and devoted employee and a close friend with her work mates.
We shared many enjoyable events over the years. We were very sorry to note her passing.
Richie and Donna Ross
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Franca Marino Forbes Dear Renza and Family
It was with great sadness that I read in the Trai Times of your sister Alida’s passing. Life is so tender, so fragile, so very precious. I can appreciate you loss as a few months back our family lost our sister in law Sue at the age of 57 due to cancer and also my mother before her. Our thoughts of deep and sincere sympathy are with you and your family at this time. May the many memories of your time together help you through the coming days ahead. She was a special lady and will be missed by those who knew her!
Sincerely
Franca and the Marino Family
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Nike Brummitt Dear Renza, Nigel and family….
I can’t believe this… I am so sorry and so saddened by this news.
I really loved Alida!
As you may know we worked along side each other at Sears Cosmetics.
We had so much fun together. She was such a strong but sensitive beautiful women… She loved life & her family…
I am sorry I never got to say good bye.
Renza, I know how close you all were…
My thoughts are with you and your family.I Love you Lida Always!
I am so Glad that I got to know her!
Thank you for that!
Such a special lady!xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Nike
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Patty and Hudson Mack Dear Renza, Nigel and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your lovely sister Alida.
We had the good fortune to chat with Alida at Sears over the years. She was always beautiful and a total pro.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Patty and Hud
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Laura Steele Renza, Nigel & Family:
I was so sorry to read of your loss. It is a strong and beautiful tribute to Alida, so much so, I felt your profound sadness and love so strongly, that tears came streaming down my face. I couldn’t even guess how often you have cried and how hard it has been, but I do hope you take comfort in knowing that you were there for Alida in all the ways that count. She was so lucky to have you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura
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Myrna Moore Dear Renza and Nigel,
My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. I was so surprised to hear about Alida’s illness since she was the epitome of a healthy woman. She will surely be missed by both of you, and Zak and Connor. She was such a fantastic and committed Aunty. I am so sorry, Renza.
Myrna
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Tom Burns I met Alida when I was working at West Kootenay Power in 1988. I always enjoyed Alida’s sense of humour.
Since moving to Victoria Jane and I would frequently run into her at Sears. I would also see her often walking Harley on Emily Carr Drive when I was driving to or from work. We would sometimes have a chat.
I was thinking about her just the other day. Please accept my heart felt condolences – I always enjoyed talking to Alida and can olny imagine how much you will miss her.
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Nessie Magee Dear Renza, Nigel, Zak and Connor,
What a shock it was to see Alida’s picture in the TC and to read of her passing. I saw her frequently at the gym, she seemed so healthy and full of life during the summer. I know how very involved she was in all your lives and I understand how she will be so dearly missed. I recall both you Renza and Nigel often saying how lucky you were to have her living so close to you since her retirement.
I just wanted to send along my thoughts and deepest sympathy during this difficult time for you. Lucky are you to have shared such a special relationship and enjoyed all the times that you had together …. for sure the years of special memories and wonderful moments together will serve as some comfort to you.
With sincere condolences,
Nessie
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Lesley Ruzicka I first met Alida when I worked as a summer student at West Kootenay Power in Trail in 1991. Sixteen years later, in 2006, when I was on maternity leave with my first child, I was wandering through Sears and Alida and I recognized each other. It took us a few minutes to work out that we had worked together at WKP. Thereafter, every time I was walking through Sears (which was pretty often when I was on maternity leave), she would give me a big smile, say hello, and inquire about my daughter. Although I saw her less often after I returned to work, she was always quick to say hello if I was in Sears.
I was just thinking the other day that I hadn’t seen her at Sears in a while, and then I saw her obituary in the paper. Please accept my deepest condolences – she was so full of life!
Lesley Ruzicka
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Sandy Calder (Schiavon) Dear Renza & family:
What a shock I received when I opened Friday’s Trail Times and read of Alida’s sudden passing. I cannot imagine the sorrow you must feel. I am so very, very sorry for your loss.
I am so glad that you had the time since her retirement from WK, to spend together.
Take comfort in knowing others are thinking of you. Those precious memories will keep her close to your heart forever!
Love,
Sandy (Schiavon)
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Carol Babcock Dear Renza & family: I was most saddened to hear of the loss of your dear sister Alida. Thinking back, I remember when your family came to Trail from Italy and everyone was talking about the cute little blonde Italian girl. And growing up Alida always took great pride in her appearance and was a beautiful lady. I know the two of you were very close and it is heartbreaking to lose someone so dear to you and your family. Cherish all the beautiful memories you have of her and she will always be close to your heart.
May time heal your pain and bring a smile to your face when you think of the wonderful times you shared with Alida.
With my heartful condolences,
Carol (Schiavon) Babcock
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Hedy Senz My dear Renza and Nigel and family,
I was shocked to read of Alida’s sudden passing, especially when I saw you only a short month or so ago. When I talked to both of you on various trips, you would always comment on how grateful you were to Alida for her support and great presence. As I observed your deep concern, care and support for Alida when I bumped into you, I sensed the blessing she must have felt to all of you for your support and great presence.
May the exquisite beauty that Alida exuded on so many levels, continue to inspire you daily and help to fill the huge void that she has left behind.
Much love, Hedy
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Sheanne O'Sullivan Thinking of you Renza, Nigel and family and your loss. From the first time I met Alida, her friendly, welcoming and vibrant nature was evident.
With sympathy,
Sheanne O’Sullivan
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Julia Bates It was a pleasure to have known Alida. A beautiful woman and amazing person. I will miss her very much.
My first job was at Sears and Alida was one of the first coworkers that I met. Usually running late, I would run by the cosmetics counters and up the escalator on the way to my department…however this strategy never worked when Alida was working. She encouraged me to take time for myself, and over the years through our 5 minute conversations she taught me about her life.
When my niece was born in 2007, Alida was one of the first to congratulate my sister and our family. She shared so many beautiful stories of her family(especially her nephews), that I felt as if I had known her for many years.
Her strength will always be inspirational to me, and I feel blessed to have even known her.
I know firsthand that she loved her family more than anything else in life; her love and spirit will always be with you.
Please accept my sincere condolences,
Julia Bates
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Carrie (Brown) Warman Aunt Renza & Uncle Nigel and family
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. Maybe it be comforting to everyone that there is no more pain. Our condolences to everyone.
Love Carrie, Jon, James and Kaylea Warman
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Lynne and Bob Bowles Bob and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to all of you. We had the privilege of knowing Alida as a person and a dear friend. We will really miss the lively discussions, especially after dinner and wine and her celebrity updates. With much sorrow, Love Bob and Lynne
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Carli Miles Renza and Nigel,
My deepest sympathy’s to you. Alida was a very very special person and will stay close to my heart forever. I met her in 2000 when I was 17 years old working at Sears, we clicked instantly. She bacame the person i went to and told everything to. She would always give her honest opinion whether I wanted to hear it or not!! For that I loved her. I thank goodness that a few months ago Alida got to meet and hold my baby daughter.
Alida’s nephews meant the world to her, they were all she ever talked about to me. They were #1 in her books.
Please know your family is in my thoughts and Alida will be greatly missed.
Carli Miles
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mary blochlinger Dear sister of Alida
She spoke of you often and of course her beloved nephews Zak and Connor. She will be so missed by her family and many friends and co-workers.
Several years ago I worked with Alida in the Cosmetic Department at Sears. She never said an unkind word about anyone, She was always very humorous and upligting and fun to work with. I know the girls are going to miss her terribly.
Life is short. We must cherish the time we have here with our family and friends. Alida would have said the same and I know she cherished and loved you Renza. So to you and Nigel, her wonderful nephews, to her beloved Harley and other family….I am so sorry she is gone so soon. My condolences. Peace to all of you and now may she too rest in Peace.
mary
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Vera Carey Much sympathy to the family and families of Alida Passarini..very much missed.by myself and my husband…I am a coworker Vera and Dick Carey.
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Sue Rainville Renza & Nigel,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can only imagine that she was a very special sister, sister in-law and aunt and she will be missed by all.
David and I send our deepest sympathies. Please know that our thoughts are with you..
Stay strong.
Sue
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Chris and Maria Brown Dearest Renza and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear sister, we know how close you two were,
We have fond memories of Alida and will always hold her close in our hearts.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Love to all,
Chris and Maria
Hello and my deepest condolences for the loss of such a beautiful spirit — Alida. I met Alida 3.5 years ago when I began doing fragrance demos at Sears. I was immediately impressed with her physical beauty and vivid personality. Her name also caught my attention as I had not heard it before. She informed me that her name was Italian and told me how to pronounce it in its correct manner. I love the name Alida, and told her that I would like to name one of my future female spinoni italiano dogs by that name. She was humored and flattered at the same time as she shared with me how much she loved dogs as well. I do hope to have a spinoni litter this spring (Bufera is the mother) and will definitely be naming one of the female pups — naturally, the prettiest one after Alida.
Alida and I shared many conversations about life and what we liked and disliked and other philosophies. She told me how precious her family was to her — especially her nephews and her dog, Harley. Alida gave me much joy and I wish to know that I do think of her often, especially today,, the day of her Memorial. I do hope to attend — coming back from the mainland via ferry, timing is everything.
Got Bless you all and I know that Alidawill be with you today during her service.
Thank you for receiving my memories. Love is everywhere.
Adelon Paren