It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Turcasso on Thursday, April 1, 2015 at the age of 87, surrounded by family.

Maria was born in San Giovanni in Fiore in Calabria, Italy on December 12, 1927 to Salvatore and Vittoria Oliverio. On New Year’s Day in 1947, she married her beloved husband, Mario Turcasso. After their third child, work brought Mario first, in 1953, and then the rest of their family, in 1956 to Fernie, B.C. In Fernie, they had two more children and created a wonderful life together before she lost her husband to cancer in 1971.

Maria spent much of her life raising her children, but she enjoyed her time working at the Tom Uphill home cooking for its residents. She truly loved to cook for people, making all of her Italian recipes from scratch. Her cooking made her famous amongst all of her family and their friends. She also was a seasoned traveler, visiting her family in Italy several times, including most recently in 2012, as well as family in Argentina, Ontario, and California.

More than anything, though, Maria loved her family. Near and far, she loved everyone the same and she was never more lit up than when she was surrounded by the family that she created. Maria is predeceased by her husband, Mario, her parents Salvatore and Vittoria, her brothers Giuseppe, Francesco, Antonio, and Giovanni, her sisters Barbara and Lucia, and her nephew, Antonio Oliverio. She is survived by her children, Giovanni Turcasso (Maija), Caterina Harbinson (Fred), Vittoria Westover (Bill), Pina Lind (Brian), and Rosanna Turcasso. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren Fred, David, and Robert Harbinson, Taina, Krista and Paula Turcasso, Lindsey and Jeff Westover, and Vicky and J.D. Lind, as well as their spouses, her precious five (and a half) great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews around the world.

The family would like to thank the staff at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital, particularly in the palliative care unit. They also extend gratitude to those who have supported them in this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maria’s name to the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation.