Obituary of Alietta Anna-Maria Rocco

Alietta “Lea” Rocco (Rea) 
June 27th 2020

"NOTE:  The visitation will be live streaming on Thursday, July 2nd from 6 to 8 p.m. cick on the link 

 https://youtu.be/sBR_ioEQh2E

Born in Sora, Frosinone, Italy on February 7^th, 1935 Lea Rocco passed peacefully with her loving daughter at her side. Never recovering from the heartbreak of losing her loving husband of 57 years in 2011, Lea is finally able to join him again for eternal rest.

Her story is like so many other immigrants of the mid 20th century, crossing the ocean in the search of a better life. Arriving in Canada in 1953 with her parents Marco and Michelina Rea, and her siblings Teresa and Robert (both predeceased), she started her life in her new home. On June 26th 1954, she married her one true love Leandro Rocco, and began an inspirational journey of faith and service to the community. Throughout her life, Lea dedicated herself to the service of others. A humble member of the Church and Italian community, she lived her life by putting the needs of her family and the community above her own. Anyone who met her, instantly was touched by her love and generosity, of which she gave unconditionally and without judgement to all.

A gifted seamstress, she made her mark on the beginning of countless families by hand crafting the dresses for generations of young brides.

Lea was a loving and dedicated mother and is survived by her four children and their spouses, Fernando and wife Diane, Annamaria and husband Ivan, Paola and husband Corrie and John and wife Ruthann. A proud and doting grandmother to Ryan, Nicholas, Leandro, Matteo and Luca, and loving great grandmother to Leandro and Gabriel.

Lea believed in the healing power of a home cooked meal and never let anyone go hungry. Those who entered her home were met with a bounty of food that would bring nourishment and then establish lifelong friendships.

In this spirit, and in lieu of flowers, please honour her memory with a donation to the St Vincent De Paul Society, any food bank, or even more fittingly, share a meal with a stranger in need, in her name.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff of Marshall Gowland Manor, Rose Hall, where Lea spent the last six months of her life. The care and love she received was second to none, and it brought peace to her family, knowing she was treated like the grand and wonderful lady she was.

She will be missed deeply, and lovingly remembered by all those whose lives she graced.

Due to current COVID 19 restrictions there will be a private family visitation at the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.  A private Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Church followed by burial at Our Lady of Mercy Cemeter