February 2, 1980 – February 10, 2026
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce Bruna passed away on February 10, 2026. She was born and grew up in Thunder Bay and spent her last moments at home surrounded by her family’s love. Her long fight with cancer was tough, but she met it head-on with bravery and determination.
Bruna loved the outdoors from a very young age. Whether she was rollerblading or biking around her neighborhood, being outside and active made her happiest. That childhood joy blossomed into a lifelong passion for hiking and dreaming about country living. This showed in her studies in Outdoor Recreation and in how she worked hard to get her firearms license. Her adventurous streak also sparked an interest in sports cars-especially Mustangs-which she adored for their speed, style, and power.
Bruna had this natural way of connecting with people that steered her toward working in education and helping kids. It all started at Holy Cross and E. Q. Jennings schools then continued through Hammarskjold High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Arts and Development before becoming a Developmental Service Worker. Eventually, she found her spot as a Teacher’s Assistant with the public school board where her patience and kindness really stood out to students and coworkers alike.
The heart of Bruna’s life was the close relationships she had with family and friends. She loved spending summers visiting relatives in Winnipeg where simple things like playing games at Classics Billiards or going shopping turned into precious memories. Whether at lively family get-togethers or quiet visits or even just drives to catch up, Bruna felt happiest when surrounded by those she cared about most. To her, nothing beat just being around the people who mattered to her.
During her battle with cancer, Bruna experienced one of life’s biggest blessings-the birth of her son Matteo. Diagnosed while pregnant, she carried him bravely filled with hope for what was ahead. Matteo truly was a miracle who brought light into every day and gave Bruna endless purpose.
People will remember Bruna for being kindhearted, funny, and full of energy that made her stand out from the crowd. She took on life’s toughest challenges quietly but strong-showing those around how to keep going no matter what. Though she’s no longer here physically, you’ll find traces of who she was still alive-in stories shared about her, memories held dear-and most clearly in Matteo.
The people closest to Bruna carry on what mattered most to her: little Matteo; loving parents Rosario and Maria Larizza; siblings Joe and Lina (Chance). Also part of this circle are nieces and nephews Romeo Larizza along with Freya and Luca Smart. Many others across Canada, the US, Italy-including lots of aunts, uncles & cousins from the Larizza, Filleti, Tassone & Federico families-as well as many friends who became like family will always hold onto their connection with Bruna.
She went before us now reunited with grandparents Giuseppe & Brunina Larizza plus Carmine & Pasqualina Filleti; also joining them are several aunts/uncles including Zia Rita Larizza (who died as an infant), Zio Salvatore Larizza; Zio Antonio & Zia Raffaela Tassone; Zio Giuseppe & Aunt Judy Filleti; Zio Antonio Filleti; Zio Rocco Filleti; plus Zio Vincenzo Ianno.
The family wants to send heartfelt thanks especially to Raffaela Colistro whose constant support meant so much during these times-always there ready to help wherever needed with so much care involved too! They’re also grateful for cousins Sabrina Peterson, Rina Bonazza, Sarah Colistro & Sandra Coccimiglio alongside close friends Sonia Rizzo, Janna Penna, Pauline Vass, Diana Dicasmirro, Katarina Jurcevic & Amanda Barrow – your laughter your presence and devotion brought comfort not just to Bruna but our whole family too.
A big thank you goes out as well to Dr Ibrahim & Dr Bezanson over at Cancer Centre for their kind attention throughout everything-to nurses/staff at St Joseph’s Care Group for treating Bruna every day like someone special-and last but not least team at VON whose care brought great comfort all along the way. We won’t ever forget how professional yet compassionate everyone was during such difficult moments.
If you’d like to come together honoring Bruna’s life there’ll be a service on Thursday February 19th 2026 starting at 11:00 am inside St Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. Visitors may arrive one hour earlier beginning at 10:00 am same place. For those unable attend personally they can watch via livestream link which will show up soon on www. sargentandson. com once available. Afterward burial will follow promptly over at St Andrew’s Cemetery.
Instead of flowers anyone wishing could help by donating towards trust fund set up specially for Matteo’s future needs. Contributions accepted via e-transfer sent directly here: [email protected]
Rest easy now dear Bruna-you’ll always hold a special place within our hearts never forgotten forevermore.
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