Velia Durastanti

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, Velia ( Val ) Durastanti, on January 8, 2025 in Montréal.

Val is survived by her sisters Angela Durastanti (Yves Panneton); Maria Pia Durastanti (Marc Lefebvre); her niece Claire Lefebvre (Amine Benmassaoud) and their children Ines and Amel; her nephew Julien Lefebvre (Alexandra Sonnenwirth). She is predeceased by her loving parents Luigi Durastanti and Ersilia Durastanti (Laudi). She also leaves behind many cousins and aunts in Montreal and in Italy.

She was a bright light, a fanatical Beatles fan, a 60s flower child, who was destined to go far. While studying at Loyola College she suffered a number of mental health issues at the peak of her youth. While she had difficulty finding her footing she remained undaunted. She was a wandering spirit and early proponent of travelling Europe on $5 a day which she did with gusto. People were easily drawn to her for her generosity, intelligence and challenging discussions, and her great sense of humour. Val battled health issues in the last decades yet she still trucked on until her last breath.

The family sincerely wants to thank the wonderful staff at the MUHC, the Allen Memorial Institute, the Douglas Mental Health Institute, and recently the CHSLD Yvon-Brunet, who accompanied her on her life-long journey with their compassion, excellent care, and a shared laugh or two.

The family will receive condolences at the Urgel Bourgie funeral home, 1275 Dollard Avenue, Montreal, on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A memorial service will follow from 8:00-9:00pm. Burial on Friday at 11:15am at the Mausolée Esther-Blondin, Cimetière Notre-Dames-des-Neiges.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the MUHC Cedars Cancer Foundation would be greatly appreciated. DONATIONS