Obituary of Nuccia Antonina Guilder (nee: Gelona)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nuccia Guilder, at the age of 81.  She passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on May 26^th, 2024, in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Nuccia was born in Messina, Sicily, on May 19^th, 1943.  At the age of 13, her family emigrated to Wales, United Kingdom, where she grew up, and eventually met her husband, Colin.  They married and emigrated, along with her son Paul, to Fort McMurray in 1978, with numerous other long-time friends.  After settling in Fort McMurray, they welcomed their daughter Alicia, in 1979. 

Nuccia worked at Keyano College, and then Syncrude, until retiring in 1994.  She opened her own business in Peter Pond Mall, and loved meeting new people, and putting smiles on faces each day.  She was a very proud and long-time supporter of the local music festival, and number one fan of her daughter Alicia and her singing career. 

She battled and conquered breast cancer in 2003; and in 2009 she facilitated a breast cancer fundraiser at Keyano College, bringing the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra in performance with her daughter to raise funds through sales of her CD and performance.  Not only has she fought once with breast cancer, a 21-year survivor; but she fought a second battle over the past 6yrs, living with Dementia.

“The NONNA” was the most amazing, loving soul to her grandkids: Ethan, Evan, Porter, and Paxton.  She leaves them with lasting memories to cherish for a lifetime.  Her legacy and wish for us to always LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE will go on forever.

Nuccia leaves to mourn her husband, Colin Guilder, married for 45yrs; her son, Paul (Nadine) Rimmer; her daughter Alicia (Darcy) Boisvert; her 4 grandchildren: Ethan & Evan Rimmer, and Porter & Paxton Boisvert.  In the UK, her sister Melina (Barry) Daffern; her brothers: Antony (Maria) Gelona, and Joe (Lorraine) Gelona, and 19 nieces & nephews.  In addition, numerous extended families & friends in Italy.

Nuccia was predeceased by her parents Rosa & Santo Gelona, and her nephew, Kyle Gelona.

We would like to thank all the home care nurses, as well as the nursing staff and management of Willow Square for their unconditional care over the past 5 years, and most recently Whitecourt Manor, for the care provided during the recent evacuation.  To Robert Anderson Funeral Services Inc. and staff, for their amazing care and kindness for our family during this time of need.

A church mass will be held privately for Nuccia's family. For those friends and family who would like to view the Mass, please visit the link below for the Facebook Livestream:

Watch Nuccia's Funeral Mass

The family will be holding a public Celebration of Life in Edmonton, AB. at a later date to be announced.