Sophia Maria - Vittali January 15, 2016 Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed quietly from this life after a brief illness on Friday, January 15, 2016.
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed quietly from this life after a brief illness on Friday, January 15, 2016. At her side was her loving husband, Jan Daniel, her sons Jan Anthony, Bert Adrian and her daughters Stella Claire and Leah Christine Elizabeth.
Sophia was predeceased by her parents and older brother, Antonio. She is survived by her younger brother Joe and her older sister Christina who both reside in Australia. Sophia will be mourned by her children, eleven grandchildren, five great grandsons and extended family and friends around the world.
Sophia was born and educated in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. She had a successful career with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs which included postings in the Netherlands, Canada, France and Australia. In her last position with the Ministry, she served as Secretary to the Dutch Ambassador in Canberra, Australia, a position she left in 1956 to marry her childhood neighbour Jan Daniel terHart. She was to remain his devoted wife, partner and best friend for the next 60 years.
Sophia and Jan relocated to Canada - first to Regina, Saskatchewan and then to the communities of Saskatoon, Arcola and finally Estevan where they resided for many happy years. Sophia and Jan retired and moved to Victoria, BC in 1984.
In addition to being a strong and loving mother, Sophia devoted countless hours volunteering her time and talents to her favourite community organizations wherever she resided. She was also a lifelong activist and supporter of the Arts, particularly music and theatre. Sophia was an exceptionally generous individual who gave of herself tirelessly, both to her own family and her church family at Gordon Head United Church.
Sophia’s life and legacy will always be remembered by family and friends everywhere and she will be sorely missed by all. In lieu of flowers, her family invites you to commit a random act of kindness and, if possible, make a donation to the charitable organization of your choice.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
