Rosa Nella (Reganzin) Cendach

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rosa Cendach, beloved wife, mother and Nonna. She passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 in Penticton, BC surrounded by her family’s love. 

Rosa was born in Martincici, Istria, Italia on July 6th, 1939. At age 16, she bravely moved to Trieste with her older sister, Gina, and started working in a factory. In Trieste, she met the love of her life, Mario, in 1956. They courted via letter writing for a year and a half, and then she moved to Calgary in 1958 to be with her fiancé. Within weeks, they were married on November 22nd. Here she started her family and career, with Alan born first, quickly followed by Susan and a few years later, Sandra. 

In 1973, they went to their usual vacation spot in Penticton. Because it was cloudy one morning, they thought, Let’s see what the local real estate is like. They thought, We love this place. Why don’t we move here? In a day and a half, they found a house they liked and a job. A month later, they moved to Penticton. Rosa would always remind us that Penticton is a “place to live forever”. She worked in Central Supply at the Penticton Hospital for 20+ years. Rosa and Mario shared 61 wonderful years together. 

Rosa will be remembered for being the best joke teller. Her jokes were legendary. She could mesmerize the crowd and get people laughing with tears in their eyes. Have you heard the one about the toupee? She had a comical side that would bring out the playful side in you. She will also be remembered for being the best Italian Nonna cook and brodo, fritole, and minestra maker. After each meal, we all gained about 15lbs and our hearts grew a size or two with her presence in our lives. 

Rosa had the biggest heart. Her love was unconditional no matter what. She was the most generous with her hugs, smiles and her exuberant laugh. She was so generous that nobody left her house empty-handed. 

Some of Rosa’s favorite things were playing bocce, walking at Skaha Lake Park, winning at cards, and watching the hummingbirds. Family meant everything to Rosa. She was a pillar of strength in life, the rock of our family and the glue that keeps us together. She enjoyed being the best host and always having her door open for friends and family. She was a bright and positive light in our lives and we deeply miss her. 

Rosa is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Mario, her daughter Susan with Frank, and daughter Sandra, her 7 grandchildren, Melissa, Angela with Chris, Kaylee, Diana, Stephanie, Jennifer with Ricky and Riley with Arrin and 3 great-granddaughters and many more loved ones. She was predeceased by her son, Alan.

Prayers will be held on Friday, November 15th, 2019 at 7:00pm at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 1296 Main Street, Penticton.

A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Saturday, November 16th, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. also at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 1296 Main Street, Penticton. Refreshments will follow the service in the church hall. Interment will take place at 1:30 pm at Lakeview Cemetery.