Obituary of Neli Davies

NELI GIULIA DAVIES (NEE DEL COL) January 9, 1937 - April 8, 2016 At the age of 79, our beloved, beautiful and vivacious Mother and Nonna passed peacefully from our lives in the arms of her daughter Vanessa. Confronting multiple terminal illnesses we watched in awe and wonder her courage and determination for eight and one-half miraculous years. Always grateful for the blessings in her life, she lived each day with enthusiasm, zeal and vitality. Neli was always seen with, and known for, her trademark million-dollar smile which lit up the lives and hearts of all who knew her, imprinting them with her joie de vivre. Born in Timmins, Ontario, the only child to Vittorio Del Col and Maria Mascherin (both deceased), formerly of Praturlone, Italy. Neli had a wonderful childhood. Loved and nurtured within her community, she was very proud of the values which were instilled in her. She graduated from Timmins High and Vocational School knowing she wanted to be a school teacher. Free-spirited and confident she left home at 17 and began her teaching career in Cochrane, Ontario (1954). She then moved to the big city of Toronto, teaching at John Ross Robertson and Lescon Public schools for 35 years, almost always teaching Grade 1. During this time she was also asked to teach at York University's Faculty of Education and did so for 25 years as an Adjunct Professor. It delighted her to have influenced and inspired the lives of so many students at both ends of the education spectrum, and continued to influence her own lifelong learning. Neli married the late Donald Henry Davies (February, 2010) after a whirlwind courtship in August, 1961. They celebrated 49 wonderful years together, raising three daughters and, subsequently, enjoying a rich, fulfilling retirement and their grandchildren together. Our mom will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of her daughters and their partners: Melanie (André Michael), Cassandra (Robert Ingram) and Vanessa (Corey Freedman), and her grandchildren: Melinda and Aleisha Michael and Quinn and Owen Ingram, who were their Nonna's legacy and greatest joy. They learned so much from her determined and hard-working example and were so enriched by her support, encouragement and eternal optimism. She, their greatest cheerleader, celebrated all their special occasions and accomplishments with glitter, glee and gifts. She enjoyed, first and foremost, time spent in the homes of her daughters with her family. Her favourite pastimes included reading (the daily Star was a must), fiction and thrillers; listening to Opera and choral music, and her beloved musicals; attending theatre; bargain hunting; going to the movies; watching figure skating; visiting her many friends and family; and travel, especially to Antigua, W.I., to "her" Antigua Beach House. All things Christmas were her special passion, and she delighted in decorating her home for every holiday and occasion. Neli's life was enriched by her many friends and extended family, both here and abroad, who admired her for the incredibly kind and generous person she was. She welcomed everyone into her home to enjoy her famous cooking and warm-hearted hospitality. She will remain an inspiration and will be sadly missed, but remembering her will make our hearts smile. "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15th. A Funeral Mass will be held in ST. PAUL'S BASILICA, 83 Power Street, Toronto (parking access - east on Queen to Sackville, south on Sackville to St. Paul's School), on Saturday, April 16th at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Toronto Necropolis, 200 Winchester Street (please note: the DVP closure on Saturday). If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, One Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1E6, or a charity of your choice with appreciation from Neli's family. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com. In Neli's words, "La Vita è Bella" - "Life is Beautiful"