Giovanna (Mercuri) Rocca of Saint John, NB passed away peacefully on Friday, March 05, 2010 at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Loving wife of Bernardo Rocca for 68 years, she was born in Italy in 1923, the daughter of the late Isabella Teresa (Valenzi) and Salvatore Mercuri..In 1993, her family established a bursary at UNB, Saint John Campus on their 50th wedding anniversary, for single mothers entering their 1st year of university at UNBSJ. The bursary is awarded annually based on financial need rather than academic achievement. The scholarship was set up to honor the sacrifices Giovanna made during the 12 years she raised her children alone while her husband moved to Canada to make a better life for their children. Besides her husband, she is survived by her sons, Pat (late wife Joan), of Burlington, Ont., Saverio (Jackie), of Saint John and John (Gail), of Rothesay; brother, Joe (Millie) Mercuri, of Saint John, sisters, Carmela Mastroianni, of Italy, sister in law,Rosaria Mercuri, of Saint John 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Nicola and Theodore Mercuri, sister, Maria and daughter in law Joan [Quinlan].
Resting at Castle Funeral Home, “Fallsview Chapel”, 309 Lancaster Ave., Saint John West (634-1701) Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 7, from 2-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on 541 Milford road. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations, in memory of Giovanna, may be made to the Bernardo and Giovanna Rocca Scholarship – UNB or Rocmaura Nursing home.