Rebecca (Bunnie) (Pero) DiPersio

Rebecca Veronica (Bunnie) (Pero) DiPersio

November 24, 1938 - May 23, 2022

Sydney Mines

A Mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take. She is the one who loved you before she knew you.

It is with both broken and grateful hearts that we announce the passing of our precious Mom, Rebecca DiPersio on May 23, 2022. Our hearts are broken because we loved her so much and we will miss her beyond measure. Our hearts are also grateful that we were blessed to have her on this earth for 83 wonderful years.

In Florence, Mom came into this world on November 24, 1938, with a God given purpose to share her heart, love, kindness, and prayers with others. Without hesitation that is just what she did. She would spend countless hours in her prayer room praying for all who asked, who didn’t ask, for family and friends and for strangers. It didn’t matter the connection; she would get down on her knees and pray. Our fridge door was always filled with funeral cards so she could pray for those who passed while we gathered in the kitchen for meals. She was very aware of those in need around her and would often give me the tasks of delivering food, baskets, and cards to leave in a person’s mailbox or on their step. She would always tell me to “be quick and don’t let on it was me”. Besides feeding our spiritual souls she also feed our bellies. Mom loved to cook and if you came in her house, you were eating if you were hungry or not. It really didn’t matter if you said you just ate, she would find a way to get you at the table and the next thing you know a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs were sitting in front of you. It was useless to argue, you ate it like you never seen a bite in your life. Boy she was a good cook!! Mom loved to listen to music, she had quick wit, she loved to dance, sing, raise a glass, laugh, carry on and just have a good time. She was so much fun. When Dad was alive, they would dance up a storm but within the last five years we had to fill his shoes and be her dance partner. We had many dance parties in the living room and kitchen, with her never missing a beat. When the music would start, she had the most beautiful smile on her face. She was so happy.

Mom was a faithful member of Holy Family Parish, Sydney Mines as well as a long-time lecturer, member of parish council and Eucharistic Minister. She was associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame Convent and also a member of the Cursillo movement and Fire of Love prayer group.

Left to carry on her purpose are her loving children, Hector (Pam), Paul (Kim) and Alicia (Gerry), her spiritual sister-in-law and wonder friend, Sr. Anne DiPersio, her treasured grandchildren, Ryan, Paul Ryan (Anna), Neil, Rebecca (Graham), her special Jenny and her great-grandchildren, Maddison, Jack, and Hector. Her grandchildren brought her pure joy, especially when she started to notice the beautiful, selfless, giving, loving traits that she herself possessed.

Mom was the daughter of the late John and Rebecca Pero. She was also predeceased by the love of her life, Hector DiPersio, her brothers William (Dick), Alex, Ray, Jack, Bazil, Lorne, and Jimmy Pero, and sisters Mae Ivey, Millie Coady, Eileen Moore and Elva King. She was the last surviving member of her family.

At this time our family would like to express our heartful thanks to the staff of 4 West, Northside General Hospital. They went above and beyond trying to make moms last days comfortable after her acute illness. Your professionalism, compassion and kindness will never be forgotten. Also, a huge thank you to all the most special CCAs from the Northside Homemakers, especially her regulars, Jaimelee Gouthro, Wanda Dicks, Sheila Jessome and her private caregiver Hughanne Reashore, who all provided exceptional care for mom, who brightened her day, lifted her spirits, shared some laughs, a tear or two and a little dance party now and then. You treated her with so much respect and dignity. Without each and every one of you we wouldn’t have been able to keep mom at home until the end. You have all blessed our family more than you will ever know.

Visitation for Mom will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, from 6-9 pm at J.M Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A celebration of her life will take place Saturday at 11 am in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Angus MacDougall officiating. Words of comfort may be forwarded to her family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com.

As a family, we will grieve our mom because we loved her so much. We now must learn not to live without her but to live with the love she left behind!!