Grace Maria (Vellone) Kozak

   It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Grace Kozak on January 16, 2018 at the Crowsnest Pass Continuing Care Centre in Blairmore, AB.  She was 79 years of age.

   Grace was born in Serra San Bruno, Italy on May 27, 1938, and when she was fourteen years old, she made the journey to Canada.  While living in Fernie, BC, Grace met and fell in love with William Kozak.  In May 1958 the happy couple married, and later that year they relocated to the Crowsnest Pass.

   Grace was a wonderful homemaker who created a warm, nurturing home for her family.  She was never happier than when surrounded by them, and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren above all else.  After her husband passed away, Grace became very independent.  She didn’t sit at home waiting to be taken out, she got in her car and took herself – even when the weather dictated that she should have stayed home!  When she wasn’t making her own entertainment, she greatly appreciated the weekend trips she took to Fernie and Lethbridge with Rita and Darlene.  As a very social person, Grace enjoyed making her rounds to local restaurants, especially Chris’ and Subway, to visit and people-watch.  Her kindhearted, fearless spirit will be missed by all who new her.

   Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her devoted daughters, Rita (Dave) Filipuzzi of Coleman, AB and Darlene Kozak of Calgary, AB; her cherished grandchildren, Tennille (Jim) and Carissa; her beloved great grandchildren, Ava and Owen; her treasured step grandchildren, Cory (Lori), Trevor (Michelle) and families; her dear siblings, Naz (Carol) Vellone of Cranbrook, BC, Rita (Allan) Weber of Cranbrook, BC and Teresa Moore of Cranbrook, BC; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

   She was predeceased by her husband, William Kozak; her parents, Salvadore and Rafaella Vellone; and her infant son, Tony.

   The Visitation will be held at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel (13461 – 20 Ave., Blairmore, AB) on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 7:00 pm, and the Funeral Service will be held at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church (13126 – 21 Ave., Blairmore, AB) on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00 am with Fr. Ben Marino as Celebrant, assisted by Deacon Renso Castellarin.  Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca), or the Kidney Foundation of Canada (www.kidney.ca).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.

(403) 562-8555

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