DE COTIIS, Velia

It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Velia De Cotiis on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Born in Panni, Foggia, Italy on July 20, 1949. Predeceased by her parents Donato and Teresa, brothers Vito, Amalio, Marcangelo, Innocenzo, and sisters Lilliana and Maria. Velia was a remarkable mother, sister, and aunt survived by her son, Vito (Maxine), her companion Bish Siemiatkowski of over 26 years, her brother Mike De Cotiis, sister-in-law Concetta De Cotiis and Zia Antonietta Mastrangelo.

A trailblazer in her family, she was the first to graduate from UBC. She became a dedicated teacher having spent the majority of her 40-year career teaching at Ridgeway Elementary in North Vancouver. As a member of St. Edmunds Catholic Church, her faith was central to who she was and a strong part of her world.

She loved to learn, explore, and challenge herself by doing the things she loved most: spending time with family, cooking delicious meals, traveling the world, hiking, biking, golfing, reading, taking long walks, and skiing. Always with a friend or family in tow, her willingness to try and learn new things was infectious. The most resourceful person we knew, she always had a book or activity to recommend every time you talked to her.

Zia (Auntie) Velia’s life was full of love, laughter, and beautiful memories which were also shared with her numerous nephews, nieces, and relatives. Making an impact on everyone she met; she always had time for everyone, and you could always count on her.

A charismatic and inspirational mother, sister, aunt, and friend who touched the hearts of all those fortunate to have known her. She is irreplaceable and will be missed tremendously.

Viewings on Monday, June 6 from 5:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m. followed by Rosary Prayers at 7:00 p.m., both at St. Edmunds Parish in North Vancouver. Funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edmund’s Parish. Interment to follow at Ocean View Mausoleum in Burnaby.