Bertilla Bertoldo (née Facchin)

Our beloved mamma, Nonna, and Bisnonna Bertilla "Betty" Bertoldo (née Facchin) left this world peacefully, with famiglia by her side on May 22, 2025.

Born in Chiampo, Vicenza, Italy, on January 16, 1934, Bertilla spent her childhood on a family farm being the youngest of nine siblings. Her family was actively involved in the Italian Resistenza during the Second World War. As a young woman, she worked on a motor assembly line; at the age of 18, she met and married Gabriele Bertoldo, and they worked together in his family's blacksmithing business. Seeking better opportunities, they immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1956 with their young family.

In Vancouver, they hosted new Italian immigrants as boarders in their family home. Bertilla worked various jobs, working at Vancouver Hotel in the dining room, as an elevator operator, and then at the prominent Italian restaurant, Casa Iaci’s.

A devout Roman Catholic, she had deep reverence for Santa Rita and attended mass daily. She cherished her involvement with St. Nicholas Parish with all her heart.

Bertilla created the kind of close family that most people only dream of, and of whom she was very proud. 
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gabriele Bertoldo, and her infant daughter Maria Bertoldo.  Bertilla is survived by her children Lucilla, Gilberto (Jean), Lauretta (Salvatore), and Dennis (Simone); her grandchildren Gabriel (Renee), Tania (Cory), Jessica (Tyler), Julia (Nicholas), and Tianna; and her great-grandchildren Milania, Vincent, Antonio, and Mirio. She also leaves behind cherished family members and friends on both sides of the Atlantic.

Bertilla was a bright light—kind, spirited, and full of love. No matter whether she was camping, travelling, skiing, storytelling, or growing her own food and tending her beautiful backyard garden, Bertilla delighted in immersing anyone she met in her rich Italian culture. Everyone was always welcome at her home, where family and friends would gather around her delicious homemade Italian meals.

She often told us that one day we will all be together in Heaven enjoying a beautiful feast.

Bertilla was a matriarch, an altruist, and a captivating storyteller. All who knew her felt the warmth of her love and the strength of her passion for life. Her kindness and care touched everyone around her, leaving a lasting impact that will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live on in our hearts.

In memory of her commitment to charity, please consider a donation to a favourite charity.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Langley on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception. The burial ceremony will take place at Ocean View Burial Park, Burnaby (South Mausoleum) at 2:45 p.m.

Condolences may be offered to the family below in the Guestbook.