February 2, 1980 – February 10, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Bruna on February 10, 2026. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Bruna spent her last days at home, surrounded by the love of her family. Even though her lengthy battle with cancer was tough, she faced it with remarkable courage and strength.
From a young age, Bruna had a passion for the outdoors. Whether she was rollerblading or biking around her neighborhood, she felt most alive when being active outside-a childhood happiness that transformed into a lifelong love for hiking and a dream of country living. This passion led her to pursue studies in Outdoor Recreation and to earn her firearms license. Her adventurous spirit also fueled her enthusiasm for sports cars, especially her cherished Mustangs, reflecting her appreciation for speed, beauty, and power.
Bruna possessed an innate ability to connect with people, which shaped her career in education and work with children. Her journey started at Holy Cross and E. Q. Jennings before continuing at Hammarskjold High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Arts and Development and later became a Developmental Service Worker. Eventually, she found fulfillment as a Teacher’s Assistant with the public school board; her patience and kindness made a lasting impact on both students and staff.
The bond Bruna shared with family and friends was central to her life. She loved spending summers in Winnipeg visiting relatives-simple pleasures like playing games at Classics Billiards or going shopping became cherished memories. Whether at lively family events or quiet get-togethers just to catch up, Bruna thrived when surrounded by those she loved most. For her, there was no greater joy than being together with those who held special places in her heart.
During her struggle with cancer, Bruna experienced one of life’s greatest gifts: the birth of her son Matteo. Diagnosed while pregnant, she carried him bravely filled with hope. Matteo was truly a miracle-his presence brought light into her life each day.
Bruna will always be remembered for her kind nature, sense of humor, and vibrant energy that made her truly one-of-a-kind. She faced life’s toughest moments with quiet resilience that inspired everyone around her. Though she’s no longer here physically, her spirit continues through the stories we share and most obviously through Matteo.
Bruna’s memory lives on through those she loved dearly: Her precious son Matteo; devoted parents Rosario and Maria Larizza; siblings Joe and Lina (Chance); as well as nieces and nephews Romeo Larizza, Freya, and Luca Smart. She will also be missed by extended family across Canada, the United States, Italy including numerous aunts uncles cousins from the Larizza Filleti Tassone Federico families along with many close friends who felt like family over time.
She was predeceased by grandparents Giuseppe and Brunina Larizza along with Carmine Pasqualina Filleti; reunited now are several beloved aunts uncles: Zia Rita Larizza (who died as an infant); Zio Salvatore Larizza; Zio Antonio Zia Raffaela Tassone; Zio Giuseppe Aunt Judy Filleti; Zio Antonio Filleti; Zio Rocco Filleti; plus Zio Vincenzo Ianno.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Raffaela Colistro for being an unwavering source of support during this difficult time-she stepped up wherever needed showing so much love throughout it all! We’re also grateful for Bruna’s cousins Sabrina Peterson Rina Bonazza Sarah Colistro Sandra Coccimiglio along with dear friends Sonia Rizzo Janna Penna Pauline Vass Diana Dicasmirro Katarina Jurcevic Amanda Barrow-all your laughter presence devotion meant everything bringing comfort when it mattered most!
A sincere thank you goes out Dr Ibrahim Dr Bezanson from Cancer Centre whose compassion dedication gave us comfort during treatments-as well nurses staff St Joseph Care Group showed dignity kindness towards our beloved daily! To caring team VON thanks again forever grateful-we’ll never forget how much professionalism compassion helped us cope through such trying times!
Please join us on Thursday February 19th at 11:00 AM St Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church celebrating Bruna’s wonderful life together! Visitation starts earlier beginning at 10 AM same location-if unable attend Mass personally please use livestream link which will be posted www. sargentandson. com once available! Following service she’ll rest peacefully St Andrew Cemetery nearby!
If desired donations honoring Bruna can go towards trust fund set up supporting future needs son Matteo-please send contributions via e-transfer [email protected].
May you find peace now-you’ll always be treasured remembered fondly by all who knew you!
