It comes with a heavy heart that I announce that on Thursday, December 22nd at 4 pm my mum passed away in the comfort of her own home at the age of 61 after a courageous battle with stage four cancer that started in April 2020.

Her life is an inspiration to not only myself but also countless other friends and family across different continents. Her energy, smile, style, charisma, exceptional cooking and hosting abilities, European elegance, and boundless love shines through everyone despite her leaving our world. She's left timeless memories with all of us.

Don't be sad my mom's life is over, be happy it even happened. We must remember that the culmination of love is grief, and yet we love despite the inevitable. We open our hearts to it. That's why it hurts so much.

As her only son, I know I meant the world to her so I know she didn't want to leave me too soon. She taught me many life skills and I wouldn't be where I am today without them. She saw me move out, graduate, purchase (and visit) my own home, and meet my current girlfriend of five years and future wife (my mum knows it's her), Chloe.

She only wants to make me and everyone else around her to be happy.

She gave time to everyone and our time on this earth is limited, so I am privileged to say that I got the majority of it.

Some people may know that her soul was too good for earth; now it has been set free for the rest of the universe to admire. She was always an adventurer and now another journey for her begins beyond earth's limits.

If you'd like to pay your respects and say thanks for the memories she gave you, visitation will be held at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home between 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm on December 28th.

The funeral will take place at St Michael's Church, Oakville (Sewell Drive) at 1 pm on December 29th.

In lieu of flowers, please make a letter out to me/Ala and associated donation so I can read all the lovely stories that she created with you.