With deep sadness, we share that our beloved Bruna passed away on February 10, 2026. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Bruna spent her final days at home, embraced by her family’s love. Although her long battle with cancer was difficult, she faced it with courage and strength.
From her earliest days, Bruna’s heart belonged to the outdoors. Whether rollerblading or biking through her neighbourhood, she was at her best when she was active and outside—a childhood joy that grew into a lifelong passion for hiking and a dream of living in the country. This love was reflected in her studies in Outdoor Recreation and her determination to earn her firearms license. That same adventurous nature also led her to a passion for sports cars, especially her prized Mustangs, showing her appreciation for speed, beauty, and power.
Bruna had a natural gift for connecting with others, which guided her path in education and her work with children. This journey began at Holy Cross and E.Q. Jennings and continued through Hammarskjold High School. Her academic path led her to a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Arts and Development, and later to a Developmental Service Worker. She eventually found her place with the public school board as a Teacher’s Assistant, where her patience and kindness left a lasting impression on both students and colleagues.
At the center of Bruna’s life was the bond she shared with her family and friends. She deeply cherished her summers in Winnipeg, visiting family, where simple joys like games at Classics Billiards and shopping trips became treasured memories. Whether at lively family gatherings, quiet visits, or drives just to catch up, Bruna was always in her element when surrounded by the people she cared for. To her, there was no greater happiness than the time spent simply being with the people who held a special place in her heart.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Bruna experienced life’s most profound blessing with the birth of her son, Matteo. Diagnosed while pregnant, she carried him with bravery and hope. Matteo was a miracle and a constant source of light and purpose, inspiring her each day.
Bruna will be forever remembered for her kind heart, sense of humour, and the lively energy that made her truly unique. She faced life’s greatest challenges with quiet resilience, inspiring those around her. Though she is gone, her spirit lives on in the stories, the memories, and most clearly, in her son.
Bruna’s legacy is carried on by those she loved most: her precious son, Matteo; her devoted parents, Rosario and Maria Larizza; and her siblings, Joe and Lina (Chance). She is also cherished by nieces and nephews, Romeo Larizza, Freya, and Luca Smart. She will be missed by her extended family across Canada, the United States, and Italy, including many aunts, uncles, and cousins of the Larizza, Filleti, Tassone, and Federico families, as well as many dear friends who became family along the way.
Bruna was predeceased by her grandparents, Giuseppe and Brunina Larizza, and Carmine and Pasqualina Filleti. She is also reunited with her aunts and uncles: Zia Rita Larizza (died in infancy); Zio Salvatore Larizza; Zio Antonio and Zia Raffaela Tassone; Zio Giuseppe and Aunt Judy Filleti; Zio Antonio Filleti; Zio Rocco Filleti; and Zio Vincenzo Ianno.
Our family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Raffaela Colistro for her unwavering support. She was a constant source of comfort, stepping in with love wherever and whenever she was needed. We also hold a special place in our hearts for Bruna’s cousins, Sabrina Peterson, Rina Bonazza, Sarah Colistro, and Sandra Coccimiglio, and her dear friends Sonia Rizzo, Janna Penna, Pauline Vass, Diana Dicasmirro, Katarina Jurcevic, and Amanda Barrow. Your presence, your laughter, and your devotion meant the world to Bruna and brought comfort to our family.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ibrahim and Dr. Bezanson at the Cancer Centre for their compassion and dedication to Bruna’s care, to the nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Care Group for their kindness and the dignity they showed her each day, and to the caring team at VON for the exceptional comfort and support they provided. We will always be deeply thankful for the compassion and professionalism shown to Bruna and our family during such a difficult time.
Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Bruna’s life on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s. Those unable to attend the Mass in person may do so via the livestream. The link will be added to www.sargentandson.com once it has been received. Bruna will be laid to rest at St. Andrew’s Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Bruna’s memory may consider a contribution to a trust fund for her son, Matteo, to support his future. Donations can be sent via e-transfer to larizzamaria7@gmail.com
May you rest in peace, forever cherished and never forgotten
