We Remember

MALETTA, Giuseppina (Josephine)

January 21, 1938 — June 18, 2023

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Giuseppina Astorino Maletta began her story on a cold and wintry day January 21, 1938, and peacefully, embraced by her family, passed onto her next journey on Sunday afternoon, June 18, 2023. Born on a tiny isolated farm in Lupia, closest to Scigliano, Cosenza, Italy, and the first of five, she began her caretaking days as the eldest sister at a very young age. She lived a life of caring and courage. Bravely trekking across the world, alone, at 19, first by ship then train, to be reunited with her childhood friend and soon-to-be-husband, the love of her life, Armando. Prince George (PG) was home for 16 years and welcomed two daughters, many laughter-filled Italian dinners, endless baking, struggles, wins, and a community of lifelong friends. In 1980 they moved to Kelowna, BC, their version of “paradise” and courageously began building again. She spent the next 43 years harvesting the garden, tending her prize roses, welcoming grandbabies and joyfully, great-grandbabies. She was a true Mother and Nana endlessly worrying, cooking, sewing, and quick to emotion as she watched all her babies grow. She was a proud, independent woman, raising two children on her own as Armando worked away. She lived a simple, humble life and was most proud of her forever home and the family she worked so hard for. She needed little and loved a lot.  She was a proud second mother to her Godchildren and her “Boys”, a loving cousin and tender Zia. Giuseppina, or Peppina as she was affectionately called, was predeceased by her parents Luigi and Margherita Astorino, her young sister Eugenia, brother Flaviano Astorino, her in-laws Santo and Giuseppina Maletta, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, all whom she missed dearly.  Though living half a world away and often lonely without her first family, she never complained and was so proud to be building a “better life” here in Canada.   One of her recent biggest joys was dancing with her late brother’s son, Pierluigi (Elvira) Astorino last summer, who travelled from Italy to meet her.

Grateful thanks to the Interior Health caregivers who tenderly cared for her and to the beautiful Rhitchel, who became a part of our family.

She is endlessly wrapped in the loving embrace of her family; devoted soulmate Armando, daughters Giuseppina Anne (Frank) Pawlowski and Liana (Tomas III) Pesl;  her adoring grandchildren Russell McTaggart, Julie (Colin) Padilla, Mackenzie (Brandon) Olson, Tomas IV (Hannah) Pesl, Kennedy Pesl (Owen Langford); and the lights of her life, great-grandchildren Eden and Kingston Olson. She is dearly missed by many friends and extended family from PG, Mission, Edmonton, and Italy but especially her sisters; Santina Pagnotta and Ugolina (Pasquale) Mancuso of Italy, and sister-in-law Maria (James) Denicola.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Together we will honour her incredible 85 years with prayers Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 7:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, at 10:30 am at St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC.

Giuseppina loved flowers but should you desire, contributions would be gratefully accepted in her name to the BC Cancer Society, Kelowna Chapter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM LINK: https://youtube.com/live/HGh5A9khzDw

Prayer Service
Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 7:00 pm, Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Service
Friday, June 30, 2023, at 10:30 am

Location
St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC

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Service Information

Service Details

The prayer service for MALETTA, Giuseppina (Josephine) is scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 7:00 pm, Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC at located at 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, .


The service for MALETTA, Giuseppina (Josephine) is scheduled for Friday, June 30, 2023, at 10:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC

3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Angela (interior health) says:
    June 24, 2023 at 4:12 pm

    Armando and family,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. Giuseppina was an amazing lady. I loved coming to the house to help in the mornings. You guys are all such a great family. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Sending lots of love your way.

    Reply
  • Pat Symes says:
    June 24, 2023 at 5:46 pm

    Hugs and prayers to Armando, Anna, Liana and all the family. I remember your mum as always laughing and can picture her very kind eyes. Praying your wonderful memories will carry you through this very difficult time, and in days to come. Xx

    Reply
  • Natalina cerra flack says:
    June 24, 2023 at 7:30 pm

    Our paths crossed in 1966 in Prince George it was at my bridal shower, however it was a day that reunited two childhood friends, my mother and Josephine after leaving Italy many years before.
    It was also a lifesaver for me being from Edmonton and only 18, Josephine and her family became my new family in Prince George, 57 years they treated me like their own sister loved me and my family unconditionally.
    God knew that he was taking her back home, and he gave me the chance to speak with her a week before. I will miss he more than I can say. But again she is reunited with her family and my mother

    Reply
  • Assunta Caputo says:
    June 24, 2023 at 8:18 pm

    To the Malletta family the memories of all happy
    Ones with Joanne as my godmother will cherish forever Rest in Peace Comuria

    Reply
  • Antonio & Laura Mancuso says:
    June 28, 2023 at 11:20 am

    Zia, we will never forget you.
    You open your home to the two of us and loved us and treat us as your kids.
    Your heart was full of love and during our staying in Kelowna, we truly felt at home. We were not just guests but part of your family.
    On behalf of my family, my daugther Jasmine that you never met, and on behalf of my dad and mom we wish you all the best wherever you are and for the remaining part of your existance.
    We will miss you.

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke