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Constanza "Connie" Caracciolo (nee Romano)

May 16, 2019

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May 11, 1929 - May 16, 2019
Constanza Romano was born in Longobucco, Cosenza, Italy on May 11, 1929 to Caterina Scarcella and Domenico Romano. She was the oldest daughter and second of seven children. As was the custom in remote areas, the midwife would gather several births, then go to town to register them. In so doing, the registration date became the birth certificate date. This did not stop Constanza from reminding everyone her birthday was actually the 11th of May, not her recorded and celebrated date of May 24th.
Since she was the oldest daughter with five siblings following her, Constanza did not have much of a childhood. She was responsible for caring for her younger siblings and helping with household chores. She met her future husband, Pasquale Caracciolo, through her oldest brother. At the age of nineteen Constanza and Pasquale were married in Bocchigliero, Italy on November 27, 1948. Life was not easy for the young couple who struggled to make ends meet.
In 1951, Constanza gave birth to their eldest child, Raffaella Nina followed by Nichola Antonio Mario in1955. In 1958 Pasquale emigrated to Canada leaving Constanza behind in Italy to care for the family. She used her talents of sewing, knitting, crocheting, in addition to farming the land, bartering and doing odd jobs, working hard to care for her children and support her household.
In 1962, Pasquale returned to Italy, gathered his family and brought them back to Canada in search of a better life. They initially settled in Trail, BC, moving to Nelson one year later. While her husband worked out of town for the CPR, Constanza was left alone again to care for the children and household. To help make ends meet she got a job in a laundry. From 1978 to 1985, Constanza gave up her employment to provide daycare for her daughters two oldest children while the parents worked.
Constanza loved to travel with Nina and her family sharing many memorable moments and experiences. She loved to cruise and see different countries. She spent many hours gardening, housekeeping, cooking, and entertaining, sharing her passions and laughter with family and friends. She was a generous soul, a smart hard-working woman whose family meant everything to her. With her daughter at her side, Constanza passed away at the Kootenay Lake Hospital the morning of May 16, 2019 from congestive heart failure.
Constanza was predeceased by her husband Pasquale in 1995, her parents, two sisters, and three brothers. She is survived by her daughter Raffaella Nina (Fred) Santoro, son Nicola (Nick) Caracciolo, grandchildren Sabrina, Dino (Erin), and Bryton Santoro, Louis Warren, Isabella Caracciolo, brother, Pasquale Romano (Italy), as well as many other nieces, nephews and family. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude and thanks for the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Connie during her recent illness. In lieu of flowers donations in Constanza's name may be made to the Heart and Stoke Foundation, BC & Yukon.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 10:30 am at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate, 813 Ward St. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family's online register at www.thompsonfs.ca.

Thompson Funeral Services Ltd.


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