With dignity and courage, and her loving family by her side, Annette passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital in her 64th year. Loving wife for 47 years to Dod Bajraktari, and devoted mother to Lule, Patricia (Geoffrey Guy), and Leza. Cherished grandmother to Elizabeth, Amanda, Rachel, Jacob, and Patrick. Annette was born in the Bronx NY, and was loved dearly by her parents Antonio & Antoinette Valentino, and siblings Anthony, Patricia, Vincent, and the late Patrick. She leaves behind in mourning her special nephew Anthony Valentino and many nieces, nephews and aunts. In 1967 she met her husband to be, married and moved to Ottawa, and made their home in Greely for 47 years. Annette was an extremely loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She took pride in all that she did within her home. Her unconditional love was never failing, and she was always just a phone call away. The grandchildren played a huge part in her life, and for that she will be greatly missed. Annette decided to pursue her own personal vocations, and studied at Ottawa University. With great determination she earned her Baccalaureate in Arts Conc Linguistics with Honours on May 30th 1983. Three years later on May 28th 1986 she received her Baccalaureate in Education Cum Laude. Annette was extremely dedicated to her studies, and held a high regard to the importance of an education. ESL was Annette’s passion and she devoted many of her teaching years within the classroom. Her outstanding contribution to the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board earned her a Director of Education award in May of 2006. In 2009 she received an award for dedicated service to the International Languages. Annette spoke fluently in Albanian, Italian and Spanish. Her love for language transpired thoughout her life. On February 9, 2012 she received a certificate in recognition of 25 years of service within the Catholic School Board. Annette worked at the Family Welcome Centre in Ottawa, and made sure that the many families she attended to were treated with respect and care. Throughout the years Annette held a high regard for her colleagues, and truly considered them to be her second family. The amount of support our mother received by her friends, was simply amazing as I know for a fact on many a quiet afternoon our mother would take out the many cards and letters. She was deeply humbled by this experience, and even though she knew her time with us was limited, it definitely wouldn’t go unappreciated. A special thank-you to Judy, Nicki, and Tu for the time you took out of your day to be with our mother. Sometimes it just takes a warm smile, to brighten one’s day, for that we are grateful. To Father Cosmas for the many visits and prayers shared with our mother, we thank-you. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Zanke, Dr. Kendall, RN Elizabeth, and to all the incredible nurses on 6 West at the Ottawa General Hospital.
Condolences(19)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Allan Luke Paul Lewin
Next Anita A. Donelle
View the Consumer Information Guide for the Bereavement Authority of Ontario Victoria Leeanne Byers
Funeral Director License #201768
Funeral Director-Class 1 (embalming)
Our establishment license is #185 for Byers Funeral Home Inc.
Paula McKee says
February 12, 2013 at 12:00 amI am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Annette at St.Bernard’s school. She was a gifted educator who cared about all of her students. Her commitment to family was very deep.
Mardi de Kemp says
February 12, 2013 at 12:00 amSo very sorry for your family’s loss. Annette was always a wonderful, helpful presence at our Family Welcome Centre – always willing to lend a hand or reach out to those in need of help.
Kathy Verderosa says
February 12, 2013 at 12:00 amDear family of my beloved cousin
Annette:
We were separated for many years. I spoke with her recently by phone and it was as if no time had passed.
Annette and I saw eachother practically every weekend at
Grandma’s house and we would talk about our futures. She always wanted to speak many languages and would pretend to be. I would talk about becoming a nurse and wearing the white uniforms and shoes. So, we both lived our dreams. Love to all of you. I am very sorry for your loss. She was loved dearly.
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side speads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where
the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight.
That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says:
“There,she is gone!”
There are other eyes watching her coming,and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
“Here she comes!”
Love,
Your cousin Kathy Verderosa
Leonita (Anita) DiCintio says
February 12, 2013 at 12:00 amLul and Family I send my deepest Condolenses to you and your family. I do remember your Mother quite vividly and I only remember loving wonderful things about her and how much she loved her family. I am so sorry for you loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and yours. My Father who I adored passed away this past October. I know your pain in loosing a parent who means so much! Sincerely, Anita DiCintio, Greely, Ontario.
Femmie Wright says
February 12, 2013 at 12:00 amI am so sorry to hear of Annette’s passing.
I volunteered with her in the ESL programm for many years when my children were young. She was a great inspiration to me and her devotion to the children of St. Bernards School was amazing.
Kellie (McCaffrey) Staffen says
February 12, 2013 at 12:00 amSo sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing you lots of love and support through your grief.
Leith De Tracey says
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 amI offer my deepest sympathy to Annette’s family and know how much she will be missed. I taught with Annette at St. Bernard’s School and later we were both part of the Carleton Catholic School Board’s ESL team. Annette was always deeply committed to all her students as well as strong advocated for new Canadians. “May God hold you in the palm of his hand.” Leith
Diane Spenard-Bruce says
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 amDeepest sympathies to the Bajraktari family. I knew Annette as a parent at St. Mary’s. She was a wonderful mother to three great daughters.
Annette later became a special teacher and admired by many for her continuous dedication in her field. I am so glad that I was able to know her .
Mary Moss says
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 amMy sincere sympathy on the loss of your wife and mother. I knew her during my time working with ESL teachers at the Board Office, as an outstanding educator, who made a significant difference in the lives of so many children and families, particularly new immigrants. She also educated teachers and principals about the hopes and needs of immigrant families. Annette’s passing is a tremendous loss for her family and friends but also for the hundreds of lives she touched in education. She was one in a million!
Helene Wyskup says
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 amMy deepest condoleances to the family for the passing of loving Annette. The very first time I met her a few years ago at LBP in the hallway, I will never forget her with her radiant smile and later on at the board. I know dearest Annette that you will serve God from up there and I will continue remembering you and your very special smile. I thank God for having met you along my pathway of learning. May all those who are mourning you, be comforted in knowing that there are many of loved you. Helene Wyskup
Maria Pereira says
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 amIt is sad to see such wonderful person pass away .To the family my deepest sympaty in this sad moment .
You will be greately missed Annette.
Darlene Norlock says
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 amMy deepest sympathies to Annette’s family. She will be greatly missed.
Anne Johnston says
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 amSo so sad to lose such a lovely lady. Thinking of you all with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. She will be missed in the neighbourhood. I often saw her coming home from her day, and never without her big beautiful smile. An angel in heaven watching over us!
bonnie fox-mcintyre says
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 amI worked with Annette when I was a student teacher 13 years ago and she was an ESL teacher at St. Bernard. I remember your wife/mother as a kind, loving person who had time for even a student teacher on top of her busy workload! She was generous and warm. A welcoming spirit and our world was very fortunate to have been blessed by her presence. My sympathies to you.
Mary Ann Sciarini says
February 15, 2013 at 12:00 amAnnette:
When we last talked a few weeks ago, it was like time never passed. Although it has been many years, you and I both openly shared our love for each other. Our era has passed. The younger generation do things differently, but we were raised the same. Love of family and love of your culture and love of your God. That has endured my lifetime and I believe in my heart your lifetime too. I will cherish our memories of growing up in the Bronx. It was a slower paced time and we both acknowledged some of our childhood antics. I so enjoyed our few moments together and both of us reliving the past memories from our childhood. I am so proud of your accomplishments. I am happy to have had you in my life. Please watch over us now. Until we meet again. I will hold you in my heart forever. God Bless your family. Girls your family is only a phone call or an e-mail away.
Rosy Mahoney says
February 16, 2013 at 12:00 amDeepest Condolescences to Annette’s family. I had the privelege of working with Annette in the ESL department and she was an incredible teacher and person! She helped me so much on many occasions and she always had a smile and a helping hand for everyone. She spoke so proudly of her incredible family as well. She will be deeply missed,and never forgotten.
Rosy Mahoney ESL Department
Diane Proc says
February 17, 2013 at 12:00 amAnnette was my mentor when I began teaching ESL. She was always available to me for advice. She had a generous and loving heart. She was so proud of her girls and her grandchildren! She will be missed.
Until we meet again, may the Good Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
Donna Kelly-McDonald says
February 23, 2013 at 12:00 amDear family of Annette,
I had the wonderful pleasure of attending the Education program at Ottawa University with Annette. We saw each other many times over our careers with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Last Feb., we were reunited to celebrate our 25 years of teaching. It was such a privilege to know Annette. Her smile and infectious, positive attitude never waivered. She will be deeply missed. My condolences to all those that knew and loved her.
Marjorie Walker says
March 31, 2013 at 12:00 amI was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. I remember her for her kindness, sincerity and ever cheeful disposition. You were lucky to have such a strong mother; she always supported you in your chosen paths.
I hope you are able to find peace and that you’ll always remember the happiest of times you shared with your mother. Memories really do help time to pass and healing to occur.
Your longtime ago friend,
Marjorie
Contact Us
Phone: 613-989-3836
Fax: 613-989-3915
Email: hello@byersfuneralhomeinc.ca
Location: 2990 Church St., South Mountain, ON, Canada, K0E 1W0
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Available for at-need arrangements
24 hours/day.
Credentials:
Search Obituaries
Obituary Sign Up:
All rights reserved. Website by Sandfire Design