May 17, 1952 - January 25, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our selfless, loving mother. She passed away on January 25th at the age of 71 in the presence of family who adored her.
She was predeceased by her father Angelo, mother Antonietta, and husband of 45 years Paul.
She leaves behind her sons Eric (Kathleen), Ryan (Christina), and Mark (Calli), as well as grandsons Liam and Nico. She is also survived by her brothers Fernando (Karen) and John (Sandy), her sisters-in-law Joanne and Jackie (Jim), her niece Dana, her nephews Scott, Chris, and Drew, and her many friends.
Maria Rosa (Rosemary) Mastromonaco was born in Morrone del Sannio, Italy on May 17th, 1952. At the age of 6, and after her younger brother Fernando was born, the family left the hard life of farming behind and immigrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver. Soon after their arrival, she welcomed another brother named John.
Rosemary quickly overcame the language barrier and became a successful student. She later attended Simon Fraser University where she earned a degree in Education while working several jobs to pay her tuition.
At one of these jobs, she met her future husband, Paul. After marrying in 1973, Rosemary and Paul moved to Mill Bay and started their family. There, Rosemary began a 35-year teaching career that she loved, and she was always honoured to be able to positively impact the lives of countless students in the Cowichan Valley.
Never one to remain idle, Rosemary spent her retirement years as a proud and active grandmother, and enjoyed traveling, volunteering, writing, and continually learning new skills.
Her sons will remember her as a tireless and outstanding mother with immense mental strength and resilience. She was always happy to do the heavy lifting for the family and refused to burden others, most notably when serving as a steadfast caregiver to her husband Paul at the end of his life.
Although she left us far too soon, we take solace in the fact that she had a good quality of life until her passing and got to meet her newest grandson when he was born in December. Her death creates a void that will never be filled. She will be forever missed by friends and family.
It is her request that there be no formal service.
In lieu of flowers, spoil yourself!
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