May you always walk in sunshine
and God’s love around you flow,
for the happiness you gave us
no one will ever know.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
the day God called you home.
A million times we’ve needed you
A million times we’ve cried.
If love could have saved you,
you would never have died.

Che tu possa sempre camminare nella luce del sole e che l’amore divino ti possa avvolgere.
Nessuno mai conoscerà la gioia che tu ci hai donato.
Il giorno che Dio ti ha chiamata a Lui si sono infranti i nostri cuori.
Milioni di volte abbiamo pianto e milioni di volte ci hai aiutato.
Se il nostro amore avesse potuto salvarti, tu saresti ancora, per sempre, con noi.

Teodolinda Barban Zarb passed away peacefully on February 16, 2021. She was affectionately known to her friends and extended family as Leda, Linda or Edera. To us, she was always Mamma, Nonna or Mamma Leda.

Leda was born in Italy in 1923. She grew up in the small town of Malamocco on the Venetian island of Lido, with her parents, Gino & Resi, sister Leni, and brothers, Antonio, Italo and Ivone. At 22, she met and fell in love with her Maltese sailor, Joe. They soon married and began their family, welcoming baby Rosa. In 1947, she embarked on her first sea voyage, with her lovingly packed trunks, baby girl and sister by her side, to join Joe on the sun-drenched island of Malta. Here, she fashioned a new life for herself, learning the language, customs and food, and discovering a passion for sewing and knitting. In fact, in the years to come, she was rarely seen without her sewing machine, knitting needles or crochet hook. Rosa was soon joined by Resi, Maria & John. In 1955, the new world called, and the young family crossed an ocean to settle in Toronto, Canada, later welcoming their youngest member, Isabel. Leda tackled this new adventure as she did everything in life, with determination, patience and a huge smile.

Leda will be remembered for her elegance and sense of style; her intelligence and quick laugh; her story-telling and words of wisdom; and her love of travel and adventure. She was happiest surrounded by her family and friends, graciously hosting card nights and big family gatherings, and always cooking up a storm! Her many grandchildren will cherish her teachings, whether it was how to sew a new dress or knit a scarf or make pastizzi. Her sparkling blue eyes and quick smile will be missed by all.

Leda was predeceased by Joe, her loving husband by her side for 50 years. She is survived by her large and loving family of 5 children, Rosa (Antonio Lelli), Resi, Maria (John Schembri); John (Kim) and Isabel (Michael Zarudny); her 11 grandchildren: Cristina Lelli (Pino), Stefany Dal Mina, Marco Lelli (Chiara), Jennifer Schembri, Marisa Schembri (Peter Kurc), Carla Dal Mina (Mark Shultis), Nicole Zarb (Jay Hamilton), Rachael Zarb (Andrew Love), Robert Zarudny (Vanessa), Danielle Zarb (Rob Richardson) and Lisa Zarudny (Andrew Hatley); her 17 great-grandchildren: Victoria Schembri Jackson, Samuele Lelli, Giulia D’Amico, Alexis Hamilton, Viola Lelli, Joshua Kurc, Madison Hamilton, Azzurra D’Amico, Isabella Shultis, Jackson Love, Avery Shultis, Charlotte Love, Nathan Richardson, Taylor Richardson, Alivia Hatley, Harper Love and Aila Hatley; and 2 great-great-grandchildren: Ryder and Atreus.

A celebration of life will be planned when COVID restrictions allow.