Mom was a devoted Wife, Mother and Grandmother.

As the Matriarch of the Family, she dedicated her time to cooking, baking, sewing, and very importantly cleaning her always meticulous home. Yes, you could eat off her squeaky clean floors.

Her passion was her garden, including tomatoes, beans, swiss chard, parsley, basil – but what really brought her joy was her Fig Trees.  Mom could be seen picking and eating Figs right off the trees with such pride at the size and taste – we knew it took her back to her younger years in Italy.  In 1962, Mom, Dad (late Luigi Ruffolo) and 22 month old Son (Ralph), set out to Canada for a prosperous future.  The 3 set sail across the Atlantic, then the Train across Canada and finally by boat to their destination Victoria, BC.

Mom leaves behind her devoted Son, Ralph who was her full-time Caregiver and who never wavered during the last 10 years of Mom’s life.  I know that my Brother prolonged Mom’s lifetime by being there for her 24/7/365 days of each and every one of those years.  Mom also leaves behind her Daughter, (Me, Rita Soares), her gorgeous Twin Granddaughters, Belinda and Cecilia. Mom was one of 7 siblings and leaves behind her one surviving sister (Yolanda Boresta) in Cosenza, Italy.  Many nieces and nephews in Italy and here in Victoria.

We have lost a very hardworking Lady who always provided her Family with love and dedication. We all love you and know you have reunited with Dad and carry on your love in Heaven.  We are at peace knowing you are no longer suffering and that you are proudly admiring your Family from above.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church on 4040 Nelthorpe Street, Victoria, BC

Entombment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • JOAN NOTT

    So very sad to hear of Gilda’s passing. I’m envisioning she and Luigi in heaven, surrounded by the largest Italian tomatoes ever, basil rich and fragrant, and a SIMPLY MARVELOUS sauce bubbling away. We had the privilege of living only two doors away on Vanguard – I still close my eyes and breathe in that awesome smell filtering from their garage into our open windows. Time and time again we’d find a bag of fresh vegies and a jar of their best on our doorstep. Generous, caring and warm-hearted neighbours. Blessings sent your way, Rita, Ralph and family. xoxoxo Joan Nott

  • Barbera Pearson

    Rita and family:
    Our deepest condolences for your family’s loss. No one will ever fill the place your mom holds in your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. May your memories bring you some comfort along with the knowledge that she is at peace and back with the love of her life.
    With love, Barbera & Christopher Pearson and Rosa Fanucchi

  • Liz and Graham Lilly

    It is hard to believe that it is over 29 years since we moved in to the house next to Gilda and Luigi. David, our oldest son was nearly 3 and his brother Michael, just over three months old. Shortly after we moved in, we were surprised when David came to us with a handful of Ferraro Roche chocolates, and when we asked where he got them from he pointed next door, and said that when he knocked on the door a lady came and gave him chocolates. It was a trick he repeated many times, yet Gilda always seemed delighted to give him a chocolate. Luigi and Gilda always shared the bounty of their garden especially the tomatoes, and I remember the sound of Italian opera emanating from the garage, as the produce was processed – I think that Luigi liked to sing along. My father-in-law loved his conversations over the fence, and we would often hear Luigi and Gilda having an animated discussion about the weather (well at least I think it was about the weather – I don’t speak Italian). We lost Luigi far too soon, and life for Gilda was never quite the same. But she was still surrounded by you, her caring family, and despite her trails and tribulations, she had loving support. I will remember her for her generosity and neighbourliness. Rest in peace Gilda

  • Tom and Mavis Smales (Liz’ Mum and Dad)

    Dear Rita, Ralph, Belinda and Cecilia,

    We are sorry for your loss and thinking of you at this sad time.

    Gilda was always very cheerful and happy to talk as we compared our ailments and laughed about them together. Sadly, it is a long time since she was able to get about, but Liz would tell us how she was getting on and what a wonderful job Ralph and Rita were doing to look after her.

    We remember Luigi fondly and are happy that they are together again.

  • Sarah Truelson

    Dear Belinda and family,

    My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Thank you to Gilda for the lovely treats at work!

    We are so privileged to have grown up with our kind, generous, strong Italian grandmothers. ❤

  • Concetta Peluso

    We would like to offer you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences and may the soul of your mother rest in peace. … Edvige & Concetta Peluso

  • Stephen Roome

    Ralph and Rita your dedication and care for your mother were truly remarkable. It makes me certain of what a loving person she was for you both and the twins throughout your lives. Such love it seems to me is truthfully the most important thing in life. While fame, fortune and prestige may be wonderful things, a simple, pure and constant love is beyond all else. It is testimony to her love and faith in her family that she had the courage to continue over the last several years in spite of severe pain and misery. Condolences and prayers to you all for the sorrow of her passing.

  • Cathy Nettleton

    Rita, my sincere condolences go out to you,Ralph, Belinda, Cecilia and little baby Summer. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person and she raised such a wonderful, loving and caring family. My heart goes out to you all.

    Be comforted in knowing your Mother is now resting in peace.

  • Mary Melville

    Rita, Ralph, Belinda and Cecilia. My heart-felt condolences to all of you on the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother. You were always there for your mum and now she is smiling down on you all from heaven where she is reunited with her beloved husband Luigi. Your mum lives on in the memories of family and friends. May you Rest In Peace Gilda

  • Massimo perri

    I’m sorry to hear your loss.
    From the Perri family

  • Lin Thompson

    Rita, no Mother could ask for a more dedicated son and daughter than you and Ralph were to your Mother. May she rest in peace.

  • Willard/Rosetta Werk

    Condolences to you, Rita, to Ralph and to granddaughters, Belinda and Cecilia. Because of your dedication and care, you enriched your Mom’s life on Earth. Gilda will live on in the memories of family and friends. RIP, Gilda!

  • Rose Carbone and Don Singlehurst

    Ralph, Rita, Cecilia, Belinda
    Our Heart felt condolences to the entire Family. I will never forget the love, hospitality, kindness and generosity your Mom would always give with open arms.
    Her laughter when I wore my lemon top!!
    I will truly miss our Saturday get togethers and reminiscing of the good old days.
    Forever in my Heart Beautiful Gilda.

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR