Obituaries

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024 our amazing mom, nonna, and biba passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 90.

She was predeceased in 2007 by her husband and the love of her life Luigi Barone; parents Giovanni De Matteis and Caterina Coppola; her brothers Fernando, Guiseppe and Rafaele De Matteis.

Lucia is survived by her daughter Anna Maria Barone (Nick Lucio Di Ruscio) and their children Gina Cherney (Jordan), Stefanie Di Ruscio (Ryan Gibson), Vienna Di Ruscio (Jason Breker) and Oriano Di Ruscio (Samantha Commandeur Di Ruscio); her daughter Maria Cristina (Bob) Greif and their children Christina Greif, Anthony Greif (Tasha Pelletier); great-grandchildren Declan Breker, Gage Langman, Massimo and Mariella Di Ruscio, Louie and Ari Roma Cherney; siblings Gianni (Rita), Maria Teresa, Rita and Augusta (Walter) De Matteis of Italy; in-laws Lorenzo and Annunziata Barone and Anna Provenzano of Regina, SK; good friend Eileen Hinkley; numerous nieces, nephews and relatives in both Canada and Italy.

Born in Parabita, Lecce, Italy, Lucia immigrated to Canada with her daughter in October 1961 to join her husband, Luigi. She was an incredible seamstress and for many years worked on hundreds of bridal and bridesmaids’ gowns at Pearlman's Ladies Wear. She was a wonderful cook and especially enjoyed cooking traditional meals. She loved being with family and friends and we were blessed to recently celebrate her 90th birthday. Lucia was a spicy character and her memory will be forever cherished by all that knew her.

Lucia, along with her husband Luigi, was a proud founding member of the G. Marconi Canadian Italian Club in Regina, SK.

Lucia will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Child Roman Catholic Church, 2636 - 7th Avenue East, Regina, SK. Private family interment in Regina Memorial Gardens.

Sincere appreciation to all the caregivers and angels at the General Hospital Unit 5F and Pasqua Hospital Palliative Care Unit 3A, both in Regina, SK, for their compassionate care of our dear mother.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lucia’s memory to a charity of your choice.