Mario Zava

With family at his side, Mario passed away peacefully on the evening of December 5, 2020 in Victoria, BC. Mario was predeceased by his wife Estela, in 2005, as well as his brother Primo, and sister, Anna Maria and survived by his grandchildren Moorea and Matthew, of whom he was especially proud, and by his son Franco and wife Terry. In 1950, at the age of 19, Mario left his hometown of Godega, Italy for Canada, in search of opportunity and a better life. Arriving in the middle of a Winnipeg winter was enough to make him want to go home, but with nothing to his name, he had to make it work. Having worked as a hairdresser in Italy since the age of 10, he was determined to do so here, and the day after his arrival, he wandered until he found a beauty school in pursuit of just that. Knowing a couple of words in English, he tried to explain, unsuccessfully, that he wanted a job cutting women’s hair. Lucky for him, there was a young woman working there who had also just arrived in Canada and who spoke Spanish – maybe she could translate for him. Her interpretation skills helped him get the job that same day, and together, over the next 50 plus years, he & Estela went on to build a family, a life and a successful business here in Canada, operating Mario’s Beauty Salons for more than 60 years. Their love for one another, their work and their family was unmistakable. Mario’s passion for his work was intense – it wasn’t working, he would say, if you truly love what you do – and he did, for 75 years. When home from work though, he loved nothing more than starting the BBQ, sharing a glass of wine with Estela and talking for hours about their family & grandchildren, the “shop” and the future. Mario and his Estellita are now together again resuming the long walks that they loved so much. Mario’s family would welcome you to reach out by email at francozava@shaw.ca.

Due to Covid, there will be no formal service.

Condolences may be offered below

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com