Obituary of Alma Volpini

Alma Pasqualina Volpini (née Quaini) has joined her beloved husband in paradise; in her 92nd year, on August 12, 2023. She is, and will forever be, missed terribly by her children, Enrico and family, Maria and Edward, and Giuliano and Felicia; Grandchildren, Enrica (Rob), Adriana (Alex), Giulia (Paolo), and Franco (Alyssa); Great-grandchildren Dylan (Lauren), Isabella, Albus, and Nico; Her sister-in-law Renza, her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends in Italy and in Canada.

She was predeceased by the love of her life, Franco; her parents Pio and Irma; Her younger brothers Genesio, Franco, and Pio; Her beloved Zia Gemma; and her granddaughter Alessandra.

Last, but not least, and as quite a shock to all who knew her well, Alma’s (actual favourite grandchild) grand-dog, Maggie Mae. The woman who wouldn’t even allow animals in her house for 80+ years, not only tolerated, but fell in love with, Maggie. Their days together were spent napping, watching Italian TV too loudly, having deep conversations, and taking turns trying to make the other warm while cuddling together on their favourite chair. Maggie is very selective of who she allows to spoil her, but it was no secret that she loved her Nonna the most. There is no doubt that Maggie will miss her, and the special bond they created.

Alma was a fearless woman who made her way from Italy to Canada, with her husband and children, in 1966. She left all she knew, her customs, her comfort, her family and friends, to find a more prosperous life. They settled in Hamilton, then to a smaller Italy, also known as, Stoney Creek.

Not knowing the language here didn’t stop her from getting a job as a welder; a job she had for 25 years. Yet, somehow, she still managed to never fully learn the English language, even after all those years. This proved to be a huge source of entertainment and laughter for years to come for her family. Lovingly, of course.

Her early life was not an easy one. She overcame things as a child and young adult, throughout the war in Europe, that clearly left a lasting effect on her, but also made her incredibly strong and resilient. One thing was very clear about this time in her life, meeting her true love was worth every single thing that lead her to him. The story, as told by her and Franco, was that she worked in a shop and was cleaning the front windows one day. Franco happened to go by just as she was struggling to reach the top window, and let’s just say, he liked what he saw. That was the beginning of 59 years together.

Her passion was her family. Her husband and true love, Franco, her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She kept in close contact with her family in Italy as much as she could. She would light up every time she was able to speak with them. She cherished all the letters she received and would always immediately start writing a letter to send back to them.

She was a force to be reckoned with, stubborn and opinionated; traits she passed on to the next generations. We’re pretty certain that she was secretly proud of this fact. She was also kind, supportive, loving, and the best damn cook you had ever known. Her happy place was cooking a meal and having her family and friends around to enjoy it. Even when you would clearly tell her you couldn’t possibly eat any more, she would fill your plate. That was her love. Deaf and persistent. Mangia mangia = I love you, eat it, you’re too skinny.

Alma was full of stories. Not only did she remember every detail of her own life and loved to share those stories with those closest to her, but she would also make up wonderful fairytales to tell her grandchildren at bedtime. If she wasn’t telling stories, she would be singing. At bedtime, in the car during long drives, and sometimes just along with a song on tv. Those are just some of the cherished memories we will all get to keep with us forever.

She loved big. You never questioned whether she loved you or not. It was clear even when she was hard on you. She only wanted the best for those she loved and would help them achieve that in any way she could. She lived her life for her family. They always came first in her eyes. No matter what.

Life is never perfect. We are all flawed and make mistakes, but with Alma, those closest to her knew that there was never a mistake so big, a flaw so terrible, that she wouldn’t help with and/or overlook, to make sure you were ok. To make sure you knew you were loved. To make sure you knew she was in your corner, even if no one else was.

Words alone could never express how much she is loved, and how much she will be truly missed, now and always.

We, Alma’s family, would like to thank all the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital who not only took care of Alma, but also took care of us when we needed it most. We hope you know how much your care, support, and kindness meant to us during her time there.

All are welcome to celebrate Alma’s life with us on Wednesday, August 16th, at 1 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier, 304 Hwy 8, Stoney Creek. Cremation to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Alma’s name to The Canadian Mental Health Association - Hamilton Branch, or St. Peter’s Hospital - Hamilton Health Science. Thank you.


“Non stare in piedi
Presso la mia tomba, e piangi.
Non sono li,
Non dormo-
Io sono i mille venti che soffiano
Io sono i luccichii di diamante nella neve
Io sono la luce del sole sul grano maturo,
Io sono la dolce pioggia autunnale.
Mentre ti svegli con il silenzio mattutino,
Io sono la rapida corsa verso l'alto
Di uccelli silenziosi in volo circolare,
Io sono il giorno che trascende la notte.
No
n stare in piedi
Presso la mia tomba, e piango—
Non sono li,
Non sono morto.”

— Immortalità di Clare Harner