CONTENTI, Marjorie Evelyn (Madge) (nee Sparrow)
July 5, 1919 - May 19, 2015
With sadness, great respect and a sense of celebration, we announce that our Mother and Nonna, Madge Contenti, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in the presence of family and surrounded by the Drumheller hills she so loved. For 95 years, fiercely independent Madge shared her infectious smile and warm, vibrant personality with family, friends and everyone she met. She was much-loved by many including her six children; Tony (Maureen), Corinne Gerling (Irv), Marjorie (Adrien), Brian (Cathy), Nick (Joanne), and Reno (Wanda). “Nonna” is also remembered by the eight grandchildren she so proudly and unwaveringly supported: Sean (Megan), Benjamin and Marco, Ian (Samantha) and Sarah, Justina (Chad), Ryan and Curtis. She also leaves behind great-grandchild, Marlee Dawn Morin, and many nieces and nephews who fondly remember “summers in the valley” with Auntie Madge. Madge was born in Empress, AB, and moved to Drumheller as a girl. The eldest of five, she often shared stories of her colourful parents, Frank and Corinne Sparrow, and helped to raise her brothers and sisters while her mother worked in the local laundry. She is survived by three of her siblings including Gerry Rowbottom, and Pat and Bill Sparrow, and was predeceased by her sister, Frances Duffin, and parents. Madge is also remembered by her best friend and sister-in-law of more than 70 years, Addy Contenti, and many relatives and friends too numerous to mention. She was also Auntie Madge to several special neighbour families on 2nd Street SW. Madge proudly served in the RCAF WD (Women’s Division) during WWII with her sister, Gerry. She met and married fellow Drumheller resident and veteran, Aldo Contenti, (deceased in 1975), and they quickly grew their large family. Madge continued to share love and laughter as a singer in Sweet Adelines and St. Anthony’s Church choirs, as a founding member and noted thespian in Ploeg Street Productions theatre group, as a long-time member of the Catholic Women’s League, and as Mrs. Santa Claus during the Christmas season with her brother Pat (Santa) Sparrow. Mom will be remembered for her quick wit and joyful attitude, her wonderful cooking (there was always room for one more at her table), her deep maternal energy and her positive attitude. In her later years, she survived surgeries and health challenges with flair and resilience endearing her to family, friends and caregivers. Relatives and friends are invited to prayers at St. Anthony’s Church, (151 3rd St. West, Drumheller, Alberta), Friday, May 22, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers at the Sunshine Lodge, Hillview Lodge, and Acute and Continuing Care wards at the Drumheller and Hanna Health Centres. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to Drumheller & District Seniors Foundation, 698 6 Ave. E, Drumheller, AB. T0J 0Y5 or Meals on Wheels, Drumheller. As granddaughter, Justina Contenti, wrote for her, “A brilliant light is gone from this world, and the rest of us will just have to try and shine a little brighter now.”
