It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved wife, mother, nonna and bisnonna, Ines Verones of St. Albert, Alberta on March 20, 2022.
Ines will be deeply missed by her adored husband of 60 years, Erminio Verones; daughters Mary (Ted) Sims and Susanna Verones; grandchildren Christopher (Margo) Sims and Teresa (Nicholas) Johnson; and great-grandchildren Charles and Samuel Sims, and Mila, Clara, and Jacob Johnson. She will also be missed by her brothers Zefferino and Roberto Franzoi; sister Gudita Tarter; and other family and friends. Ines is welcomed into God’s arms alongside her parents Ettore and Olga Franzoi; brothers Silvino and Franco Franzoi; sister Ettorina Bontempelli and infant great-grandson, James Sims.
Ines was born in the idyllic town of Sporminore, Italy in December 1942. She was one of 7 children and as a young girl looked after her younger siblings and helped on her family’s farm. A strong-willed trailblazer in her own right, Ines was the first woman in her town to wear pants publicly. Through her teen years she waitressed in luxury hotels in Switzerland alongside her eldest brother until she met Erminio. After a long-distance courtship, she immigrated to Canada in 1961 to start her life with him in Edmonton, Alberta. A year later they welcomed their first daughter Mary (Maria) and then Susanna in 1965. Ines and Erminio were active members of the Italian community in Edmonton.
Soon after the births of her grandchildren, Ines, Erminio and Susanna relocated to St. Albert to be closer to Mary and her family. There she continued to be a dedicated member of the Catholic Church, a member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and served as a gourmet chef for the Oblates. Ines was widely known among fellow parishioners and described as a true ray of sunshine with a singing voice that was unparalleled. Her love for her grandchildren led her to become an extraordinary lunchtime supervisor at Neil M. Ross Catholic Elementary School where many of the students affectionately referred to her as Nonna. With her grandchildren and now great-grandchildren, she was notably present cheering them on at the local hockey arenas, soccer fields, gymnasiums, and dance studios.
Ines’ love for her family was undeniable. She was a constant figure in their lives, supporting their every endeavour. She passionately cooked dinners every Sunday and effortlessly made these delicious meals for her growing family. Known to her great-grandchildren as Nonna B, she paralleled their energy, matched their eager curiosity, and simply loved them so much.
Ines radiated joy and her vibrant and cheerful disposition touched many lives. Words cannot describe how greatly she will be missed by her family and friends.
Reverend Curtis Berube will celebrate a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Parish, 75 Poirier Avenue, St. Albert. Interment taking place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made in Ines’ name to the Sturgeon Hospital Foundation. sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org/donate-now/
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ines Verones Nee Franzoi 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta