We Remember
ROSAL, Assunta Maria
July 10, 1962 — February 22, 2021
After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Assunta Maria Rosal (née Romei) on February 22, 2021.
Assunta was born at Kelowna General Hospital on July 10, 1962. She was Giovanna and Luigi’s eldest daughter and middle child of five children. Although Assunta may have lived in other places for short periods of time, she grew up in Lake Country and always considered it to be her home. As a young child and teenager in ‘Winfield,’ Assunta spent her time with family, going to church and participating in various community activities.
Assunta’s upbringing in a tight-knit Italian family instilled a great love of family that was reflected throughout her life, especially in her devotion to her husband and children. In 1989, Assunta married the love of her life, Mark Rosal, with whom she raised three beautiful children: Giovanna, Shameera and Saul. As the matriarch, Assunta always provided her family with an abundance of guidance, support and love.
Assunta was a lifelong leaner with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. After graduating from George Elliott Secondary School in 1980, she went on to obtain several degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in French and Italian Literature (1986), a Bachelor of Social Work (1996), and a Master of Social Work (2015). In addition to her academic pursuits, Assunta was known as a gifted social worker, councilor and consultant in the non-profit sector.
Assunta was dearly loved and an inspiration to many. She had boundless energy for nurturing relationships of all kinds and had an incredible knack for integrating these connections amongst various circles throughout the community. Although there are no words that could ever adequately describe Assunta, she will be remembered for her fearlessness, her positive warrior spirit and her unwavering resiliency, even in the face of great adversity.
She will be deeply missed by her husband Mark; three children Giovanna, Shameera and Saul; siblings Mike (Filomena), Mario, Lorenzo (Shawna), Rita (Mark); in-laws Dan (Felena), Leslie (Jackie); nieces and nephews Letizia, Lorenzo, Loren, Mariah, Robert, Isabella, Angelina, Diego, Jack, Mark, Sam, Jacob, Justin, and Joel; numerous members of her extended family and countless friends. Although Assunta’s family was not ready to say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing she is now free from suffering and has joined her loving parents Giovanna and Luigi in eternal life.
Should family and friends desire, memorial donations may be made to Covenant House Vancouver.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Father Gerald Sekanga presiding, the family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join online on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 9:00 am. Interment to follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery (aprox. 30 – 45 min after Mass has ended) and can also be viewed online. Due to the current pandemic, in-person attendance is by invitation only.
Links to view Mass and Interment:
Mass of Christian Burial -Monday, March 1, 2021 at 9:00 am
Interment at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery – Aprox. 30 – 45 min after Mass has ended
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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Covenant House Vancouver Link: www.covenanthousebc.org
Condolences
For the Rosal and Romei families,
Sending my most heartfelt condolences on your loss. The two gifts I will always remember Assunta for – her amazing smile and her ability to make you feel you were the most important person in the room, whether you were one on one or one hundred people. She will truly be loved and missed by so many.
Kim (Philcox) Tapley and family
Sorry for your loss. We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers
Assunta was my mums best friend always. Growing up I thought of Assunta as my other mother. I was always able to ask Assunta for guidance and advice and she was always my best work reference. I have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish, but my favourites will always been going over to visit and sitting in her kitchen and Assunta making me a coffee. Forever in my thoughts and heart.
My condolence to her the family. she was an amazing lady.
I always thought of Asunta as my neice. I knew her as an interesting adventuresome person. Although her life was cut short she will be remembered. She will now not have to suffer any longer. My sincere condolences to Mark, Giovanna, Shamera and Saul and all her siblings. Be at peace – Auntie Anita
Beloved Assunta ❤indomitable, spirited, passionate, intellect, activist and forever standing from your sacred ground. You were the most Loyal, loving , extremely fiery, determined soul in the most engaging way<3 I will so miss you my dearest of friends, sister and confidante! Until we meet again!! I can attest You left this world a better place, look at your beautiful children and large family – your legacy truly lives on💕. All my relations! Love you all!
To Mark, Shameera, Giovanna and Saul. To the Romei and Sigal Families
we send our deepest condolences for your loss. Assunta will be greatly missed. May you find peace and comfort with the wisdom and love she gave.
sincerely. Neil and Jacqui Sproule
Our most sincere sympathy to your family. Assunta will be greatly missed as she was loved and admired by those who knew her.
I was saddened to hear about the loss of dear Assunta. I am truly sorry for your loss. Although I had not been in touch with Assunta since our George Elliott High school days, I remember her warmth and bright smile that filled our lives. My deepest condolences to you all. Wishing you Peace and Comfort. Lori Gibson
Our deepest condolences to the Romei and Rosal family. We are saddened to hear about the loss of dear Assunta. May God give you all strength during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Pina Bruno and family.
What a beautiful spirit , so full of love , compassion, and such a champion for whomever she battled for. She was a creative, energetic, educated warrior who loved and was so loved. Till we meet again my dear frien💕💕
I was so very sorry to hear of Assunta’s passing. My heart aches for your entire family. May God bless you all. ❤️🙏🙏
I have had the greatest love and respect for Assunta over the 15 years of being part of the family. Her strength, positivity, honesty and great conversation I enjoyed so much and her genuine warmth was always felt. Our love will be with you on Monday.
Our most sincere condolences to Romei and Rosal family. R.I.P.
Uncle Alvaro . Cousins Marilena, Felicia and Pietro Di Renzo.
Cherish the memories of this very special person.
To the Rosals and the Romei Families
My deepest condolences! I am thinking of you all at this time! Assunta touched our hearts with her kindness from the time we were growing up and day after day after that! We will miss your smile! xoxo
Mark, Giovanna, Shameera, Saul, Rita, Mike, Emilio, Lorenzo and families:
You are in my thoughts and prayers. As I read the condolences you have received on this page, it strikes me how my feelings and experience of Assunta are so consistent with the experiences of those who were fortunate to have had the pleasure to be nearest to her (in geography and time). Being around Assunta are some of my most cherished memories… I felt her love, tenacity, intelligence, direct sincerity and strength. I admired her immensely. She was a role model to me of a strong modern woman and family relation who kept the dear values of our ancestral traditions while incorporating all of the best things that life as a Canadian has to offer. She will forever be with me.
I had the great joy of getting to know Assunta when we organized a conference in Kelowna about family governance in supporting people with disabilities. Assunta was the instigator of the entire project and was a fierce advocate with an incredible sense of humour. I always enjoyed our discussions. I am so sorry and send my condolences. She was a bright light…
So sorry to hear about Assunta. Our deepest condolences to all who she cherished and loved❤️
To Mark and Family we are very saddened to hear about Assunta she was such a beautiful lady our thoughts are with you Giovanna Shameera and Saul
Prayers and Sincere Condolences to the Family for
Assunta… She was a wonderful lady that cared so much for the Okanagan Nation… My Heart goes to the Family…
To Rosal and Romei families
We fondly remember the young Assunta having spent many summers together in Winfield. Even as a young lady, Assunta was a force to be reckoned with – she was fearless and driven, but above all she was kind and considerate of others.
Our sincerest condolences for your loss.
In loving memory,
Rita Brandelli and family (Calgary)
To the Rosal and Romei families. We were saddened to hear of the loss of Assunta. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you .Tony and Doreen Bruno
My heart hurts for the family. Deepest condolences to you all.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Assunta.
It has been a pleasure to spend few days with you here in Italy.
Our condolences.
Zia Claudia, Anna and family
To the Rosal family, I am so sorry for the lost of my dear friend Assunta. My heart aches and it’s so hard to believe that she is gone. She will greatly miss for sure. As I moved to Alberta, we didn’t talk to much but I’m so glad to spend time in the plain while she and Mark and children were going to Italy. The flight was too short for both of us updating ourselves. I was so happy to see her and she said she was going to visit me one day, believe or not she did visit me last night in spirit. Rest in peace my dear friend. May God give comfort and peace to Mark and kids and rest of the family. Blessings: Maria Jimenez and family
My sincere condolences to both the Rosal and Romei family members. As so many have said, Assunta was a passionate, loving, intelligent and giving person who made a huge impact in the community and in her personal life. My heart goes out to you for your loss.
Lovely Assunta. We are deeply saddened at your passing. Thank you, for our many work related conversations and meetings. Thank you for our many conversations about our wonderful young persons particularly Shameera and Glen. We had and have so many hopes and so much joy. We hold Mark, Shameera, Giovanni and Saul in our prayers as well as all her family and friends. Always.
We are so sorry to hear of Assunta’s passing. Our deepest Condolences to the Romei and Rosal familes. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sante and Darlene Iacutone & Family
We are so sorry for your loss. Are thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Tony and Lynn Vicaretti
Dear Assunta’s family: What a sad and hard time for you all. Assunta was so passionate and caring and fought for what was right. She carried on her family’s practice of caring wholeheartedly for those she loved. She will be greatly missed by so many people. Know that you are all in my heart during this time.
Such sad news… Sincere condolences to her families. She was so passionate about
everything she did, but especially about her family! ❤️ She will be missed!
Assunta’s heart was so big – fiery and gentle, passionate and full of empathy. Assunta was an advocate for so many and a wonderful mentor.
Mark and family, may your memories of Assunta, her love, strength, humour and beautiful smile sustain you through this difficult time.
Much love, Jane
Dear family and friends,
My heart is breaking as I write this. We have all lost someone from our lives who was not only a beautiful and amazing person – but someone who could brighten our existence during times of darkness. Assunta was a passionate and loving human being that brought sunshine and rainbows on the worst days and also the best days. She was a brilliant light that cannot be dulled or put out even now that she is no longer with us on this earth.
When times were tough Assunta could always being counted on, and even though she is no longer here the memories she left us with, that now bring us tears in our immense sorrow, will ultimately bring us smiles, laughter and wisdom in the times ahead of us all. A light as bright as Assunta’s is not easily extinguished! Her great love for her sisters, brothers and friends will live on in the amazing memories that she has left with each one of us. Assunta had a great impact on those she touched which is why she is loved and missed by so many. Assunta was one of those inherently good individuals that brightened one’s life if you were fortunate enough to have known her or to even have been around her for a short period of time. I have never known Assunta to say an unkind word, think an unkind thought in all the years I have known her. Growing up with her as a young teen I always remember how kind and generous she was. In times of stress Assunta brought calmness and tranquility, as well as laughter and insight, and at all times she intertwined in her conversations and deeds her great love for her family and friends. What I have grown to know about Assunta is her strong faith, ability to forgive, a humble nature and sense of humanity, one always engaged in what others were doing, an attentive listener, an ability to remember birthdays, a way of never drawing attention to herself – yet everyone was drawn to her, her Italian pride that made you wish you were Italian, her love for the under-dog, an easy going nature, an ability to offer insight and guidance in a gentle, caring manner, and her great love of family.
Assunta did not live for herself, but lived in service to all those around her. If I could have I would have changed places with Assunta as she will always be a better person than I, and I am grateful and humbled to have been able to know her for the time she was here on this earth. May every rainbow that you see remind you of Assunta. With all my love, Karyn oxo
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7 KJV
To the Romei and Rosal family….we are heartbroken for your loss… we hope your memories will carry you thru this very difficult time. It was a pleasure to watch Assunta growing up into the strong, sensitive woman she became. ..I remember their wedding ceremony like it was yesterday. She has left a footprint in our hearts…..and will be missed…
Dear Rosal family, I’m so sorry for your loss. You do not know me but my name is Zoe. I am 12 years old. A few years ago my mother passed away due to cancer. My heart goes out to you for your loss. I am really sorry once again. Stay safe, Zoë
It was a great pleasure to know Assunta many years ago through our children. She was a role model in passionate parenthood. Sincere condolences to her family.
My sincere condolences Mark, Giovanna, Shamerra, and Saul.
Assunta, I will miss all our coffee visits, our long sharing phone conversations and when we couldn’t get together our long chatty texts that would go on until after midnight. You were an inspiration to many of us with your strong and driving convictions, your positive attitude, and your passionate spirit. You have left us way to soon and your legacy will live on in the programs you helped to develop for people with diversabilities. RIP dear and caring friend.
My heart felt sorrow extends to Assunta’s family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Assunta and her genuine passion to make a positive difference in the lives of so many people. She was a dynamic person who truly impacted her community. She made a difference and was a beautiful person. “Rest in peace Assunta”
Dear Mark and family: I have been privileged to have had a close connection to
Assunta for the past twenty years. I always admired her drive to create positive change, at the same time she was humble and incredibly genuine. .She was a hard worker and yet dedicated to her family. Assunta was a creative thinker, smart, and warm. We enjoyed so many long, impassioned talks that were, at the same time, full of humour. She leaves a big hole in my life.
My condolences to all of you.
To the Rosal and Romei families, we send our heartfelt condolences. We will remember Assunta fondly.
Sian, Chris and Tegan
Mark, Giovanna, Shameera and Saul, We have the best memories of spending time with you all. We remember Assunta with such love and for her tremendous spirit and tenacity for everything she did. We remember seeing her weekly when you girls came for music lessons and there was always a smile and a story to enjoy. We remember party times and what a great host she was. We send you and all the family our deeply felt love and condolences. May her memory be a blessing.
Lynda, Robert, Rylan, Natasha Carla and Marlowe
My deepest condolences. Assunta was a very special spirit. She made the world a better place. 💗
Our heart goes out to all the Rosal family . It’s always the strongest most positive people in our lives that we think will be with us forever and then they are gone and we are left wishing we had spent more time with them, and shared more of life with them . Assunta was such a bright light, and she will continue to shine for a long time .
Our heartfelt condolences to the families Romei and Rosal .
Heartfelt condolences to the families Romei and Rosal .we very sorry for loss dear Assunta..we remember her .. the lopes family
I
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Sending heartfelt condolences for the loss of an amazing person who will be dearly missed in our community… the Meraws
Dear Mark, Giovanna, Shameera and Saul, Even though I only met Assunta when she was on her cancer journey, she made such an impact on me. Her vibrant spirit and optimism, her resourcefulness and courage, and such determination to recover. I will never forget her warrior heart and the too few times we had together. I can only imagine how devastating this loss must be for all of you, whom she cherished and loved so deeply. I also wanted to add that I found the funeral service so moving, especially Giovanna’s loving and lyrical eulogy. Such a testament to the daughter mother bond and what Assunta inspired in so many. My heart goes out to you.
I
Cari Mark, Giovanna, Shameera e Saul – In questi momenti le parole non servono ad alleviare il dolore. Esprimo le mie condoglianze con grande dispiacere. Ricorderò con molto affetto la mia cara Assunta e sono vicino al tuo dolore. Mi manchera cosi tanto.
Zia Maria Picone
My sincerest condolences to the Romei family. It hurts my heart to hear this sad news. I hadn’t been in contact with Assunta for many years, but we shared some time together in our early 20’s and had some fun. She was a special gal who was always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at the difficult time.
Emily and Diane send our condolences to Shameera, Mark,Giovanna and Saul. We both loved Assunta very much.
Dear Mark, Giovanna, Shameera and Saul,
I was very shocked and heartbroken to hear of Assunta’s passing. I knew Assunta in her early years, and will always remember her infectious smile, good nature and free spirit. Our plan was to reconnect this year, unfortunately God had a different plan. With Giovanna’s beautiful and loving eulogy we got a glimpse of how loving, caring and giving Assunta was. She was a truly a remarkable person, who will be missed!
Our deepest condolences,
Vita, Art & Nancy Zwick
My sincere condolences to the family. In my eyes, Assunta is a pillar of strength and optimism, always with the glass full. I treasure our encounters and feel very blessed to have been chosen to be part of her journey. Her wisdom, strength and optimism will stay forever in my heart.
Blessings, Evelyn
To all Assunta’s family so sorry for your loss your all amazing very proud to say I know you all your favourite babysitter and friend. Margaret Bennison