We Remember
JANKO, Ada
October 4, 1938 — October 6, 2024
Ada Janko passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, at Three Links Manor in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 86.
The memories and spirit of Ada will be carried on through her surviving family: her son Davy “David” and daughter-in-law Chriss; her grandchildren Davis (and his partner Humaira), Cory, Jonah, and Arie (and her husband Jared); her sister Maria Pirillo; as well as by Rosanne Loewen, Chriss’ mom. Ada has gone to be with those loved ones who have already taken the journey from this life, including her loving husband Gino Janko, and her dearly loved mother Raffaella Venneri (née Salfi).
Ada was born on October 4, 1938, in Mangone, Cosenza, Italy. In 1963, Ada came to Canada, to the mountain town of Golden, BC, where she lived most of her Canadian life. It was there she married Gino and where their only child and son Davy was born. Whether walking around town in Golden or visiting with friends, Ada had a social spirit that welcomed everyone into her life. She was always happy to put the espresso on and serve her home baked cookies. Ada’s many years as a janitor at the Columbia Valley Credit Union in Golden were marked by appreciation of her good work and attention to detail.
Her grandchildren will remember making gnocchi with Nonna, eating her delicious apples pies, and picking fresh veggies with Nonna in her garden. Nonna ensured they never left the table hungry. “Mangia! Mangia!”
After the passing of her beloved husband Gino, Ada moved to her own apartment in Kelowna, BC, to be near her son and his family. They spent every family occasion and holiday together as well as many more special times. She made new friends in Kelowna, and loved social activities. Her favourite card game was “SKIP-BO”. After many years, she moved into a care home and continued making new friends, playing games, and singing her Italian songs.
Ada was dearly loved, and will be missed. She had a good life, and we are grateful for the time we were given to be with her.
Many thanks to the caring staff at Three Links Manor for all their kindness to Ada in her final few years.
As an expression of sympathy, flowers may be sent.
A Celebration of Life, will be held on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024, at 11:30 AM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will be held following the service.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Service
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024, at 11:30 AM (PDT)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
Dear David, Chriss and Family
We are deeply sorry on the passing of your Mother. May she rest in peace!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time!
Sincere Condolences Lidia, Robert, Franco and Family.
Thank you Lidia. Ada always enjoyed her visits to Calgary and seeing all the families. 🙏💛
Sending my condolences at this difficult time. I am blessed to have known Ada and spent time with her. Listening and singing her favourite Italian songs, viewing her family album, playing dice and having some womanly conversations and chuckling at some. She taught me to play Skip Bo. I wish you all PEACE AND COMFORT 🙏
Thank you Leona. I am grateful that you spent so many days with Ada and making her smile. 🙏💛
Dave and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and nonna. There are many good memories of Ada catching us getting into trouble (or even thinking about getting into trouble) in Golden.
Sending love and hugs to you all.
Tony, Shannon and family.
Thank you Tony. I always enjoyed growing up with you, my “big brother” cousin. Wish we lived closer. 🙏💛
Sending our sincere condolences to David and family at this difficult time. We loved Zia Ada dearly, and have fond memories that we will hold on to. May she RIP with Zio, my mom and all the other relatives in heaven 🙏🏼
Thanks Frank. I would always see some of my mother’s traits in your mom (her aunt). Thanks for your thoughts 🙏💛
I wish I had a picture to share but alas they are all in my heart and mind. Ada was my second Mom growing up. She always treated me so well and as a kid, she would often make us wonderful things to eat (mangia, mangia!)! She introduced me to homemade popcorn and called it “poppy corn”. May today’s Celebration of Ada’s life bring back all the best memories of this wonderful and giving woman. I look forward to hearing from her in thoughts and prayers where I just know she will be. Sending much love your way Janko’s, she will always have a warm place in my heart and I know we’ll be hearing from her again.. I know one thing for sure, I will never forget her laugh….that will stay with me forever and I’m sure I’m not alone in that sentiment.
Thank you William. You were my always by my side growing up and shared many days and meals in both of our family homes. Thank you for keeping mum in your heart 🙏💛