Louis Vella passed away peacefully with his Loving wife and 3 children by his side at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood on Wednesday August 30, 2023, in his 88th year.
He is loved deeply by his wife of 56 years, Josephine (nee Farrugia), their children Marie Louise (Thomas Dinwoodie), Helen (Nicolas Grobler) and Andrew Vella. His granddaughter Kayla Dinwoodie and grandson Alexander Grobler brought him much joy and they will cherish their memories of him as their loving Nannu.
Born April 29, 1936, in Malta to parents Antonio and Louisa. Louis is survived by his sister Victoria (William) Vassallo and brother Emanuel (Sharene) Vella; predeceased by his sister Rita Vella. He will be remembered with fondness and respect by his many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Louis was born and raised in Malta but moved to Melbourne Australia during his school age years with his family. After completing high school in Australia, Louis began his career as a machinist.
At age 20, Louis returned to Malta with his parents and was introduced to Josephine by his mother Louisa. Louis and Josephine then started a 5-month courtship, but Josephine’s path led her to Canada and Louis returned to Australia with his parents and siblings. Louis and Josephine continued their courtship through 8 years of devoted letter writing. At age 30, Louis followed his heart to Canada in 1966 to build his life of love and family with Josephine.
Devoted to his Catholic faith, family always came first for Louis; he worked hard to provide for his wife and children and taught them the importance of commitment and dedication. He had a 30-year career with W.R Grace Cryovac and before and after he retired, he continued to work hard, repairing things, puttering around the house, spending family time at his trailer, and working on the finishing touches of his 62 Studebaker. He never wasted time; his big strong hands were always busy. Louis may not have been a man of many words but when he put pen to paper, it was eloquent and beautifully poetic. His musical nature was enjoyed by many when listening to his upbeat accordion playing and singing in his classic tenor style. Louis had a talent for dancing to any style of music and kept this talent of fancy footwork right into his senior years.
Louis loved to travel, his suitcase was always packed and ready for the next adventure and he had many memories of his trips with Josephine and his children. He loved to include his brother and sister In-laws and their children in his camping adventures. Louis lived his life each day full of appreciation and energy. Even though his parents and siblings lived in Australia, Louis always made the time to visit his family abroad and bring his own family, keeping connections strong.
Louis showed such bravery when faced with the diagnosis of dementia at age 79. Always being a devoted caregiver whenever his wife or children was struggling with an illness, his family in turn then supported him every step of the way in his new journey.
Louis was a hopeless romantic, a true gentleman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and son in law, Brother and Brother in law, nephew, cousin and friend and those that loved him will forever hold a piece of him in their hearts.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter Peel Chapel on Thursday September 14, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. and a funeral mass at Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 921 Flagship Dr. Mississauga on Friday September 15, 2023, at 11 a.m.
As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Hospice Georgian Triangle – Campbell House or the Alzheimer Society in Louis’ memory. Arrangements entrusted to Turner & Porter Peel Chapel.