VIZZUTTI, Bruna (née Petrossi)

December 16, 1933 — December 8, 2021

In loving memory of Bruna Vizzutti, who passed away on December 8, 2021. If you ever met her, you would most certainly remember. Bruna was a force. While not much more than a child, she set off alone from her small war-ravaged village of Ramandolo, Italy to conquer her world.

The journey first took her to Manchester, England, then Calgary, Alberta, where she married her lifelong partner Elso. Eventually, they moved to West Kelowna, BC in their retirement years.

Most might remember her ability in a kitchen. It seemed that no meal was complete without 5 or 6 courses and enough leftovers for every guest to take home and enjoy for days. One of her young neighbours remarked, “I’ll never forget the time Mr. and Mrs. V brought out a tray of the most incredible homemade cannolis to our cul-de-sac block party. For comparison: everyone else brought Cheetos and hotdogs.” That was Bruna. Food was security. It was life. It was love. Her appreciation of all living things is legendary; no dog, cat, bird or spider would ever come to harm under her watch. Houseflies were to be gently caught and set free outdoors. She raised the happiest, although chubbiest, dogs in the world. And the dancing… when she and Elso hit the dancefloor, the sea of humanity would part and people would stare in amazement. Applaud. It was something out of a 50s Hollywood musical. This was the Bruna most people will remember, but not forgotten is that along her life’s journey she acquired skills and excelled as an au pair, cabinetmaker, baker, and as an investor – always ensuring that her financial advisors earned every cent of their commissions. Her ability to spot a real estate bargain was uncanny. The weekly real estate paper was the most widely read document in the house.

Dementia claimed much of her spark in the last few years, but her caregivers, neighbours, and children devoted much love and time keeping her comfortable and happy.

Bruna is survived by her daughter Laurie Porrelli & son-in-law Barry; son Giordano “Gord” Vizzutti & daughter-in-law Patricia Rockwell; grandson Daniel Vizzutti (Tayler); grandson Jordan Porrelli & his fiancé Hanna Bristow; and great-grandchildren Kayden, Aliyah & Kane Vizzutti.

A Private Family Service will be followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date.

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