Michele Rossi and Beatrice Covino

Beatrice and Michele Rossi

Michele Rossi was born on November 9, 1917, in Terranova, Benevento, Campania, Italy. Beatrice Covino was born February 2, 1921, in Arpaise, Benevento, Campania, Italy.

Growing up in Italy, they both worked hard on their family land growing grapes and olives,  and raising animals.

In 1938, Michele was a twenty year-old sergeant in the Italian army. In 1941, he was among the four thousand Italian troops sent to occupy Albania. On September 17, 1943, the Nazis came to Albania and when the Italian troops refused to co-operate with them, many were shot. The rest were marched off on a trek to Germany as forced workers in a steel factory.

On March 19, 1945 when the Americans liberated the work camp survivors, Michele had dropped to a weight of ninety pounds. When he returned home, he was surprised and joyful that Beatrice had waited patiently for him for seven years.

After being engaged for twelve years, they married on March 3, 1946. Daughter, Elda, was born in 1946 and daughter, Luigina, in 1951.

In the spring of 1952, Michele emigrated to Smithers, BC, to make enough money to send for his family.  This was the situation for many immigrants. In May 1956, his family joined him. A son, Carmine, was born in 1957.

In Smithers, Michele worked as a labourer for the Canadian National Railways while Beatrice worked in the local hospital and hotel.

They moved to Kelowna, BC, in the summer of 1971. Michele continued to work for the C.N.R. and Beatrice worked at the Capri Hotel until their retirement. Like most Italian immigrants, they took advantage of Kelowna's growing season, by growing an annual garden full of tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas. 

Michele passed away December 22, 2001, being the first person to be laid to rest in Kelowna Cemetery's Mausoleum. Beatrice followed him on August 15, 2012.

Contributed by Joey Vecchio, friend.