Family and friends filled Holy Child Catholic Church in Summerland on Saturday for the funeral of Alfredo Bonaldi.
A resident of Summerland since the 1950s, Bonaldi, 91, died Dec. 7 at Penticton Regional Hospital.
Father Ferdinan Nalitan officiated at the Mass of Christian Burial. He extended words of comfort to those in attendance, noting that “grieving is a sure sign of loving.”
Bonaldi died amid allegations of neglect involving Summerland Seniors Village. He had lain in his room for three days in late November, sick and unable to call for help, before a family member found him. Although he had missed his meals in the common dining room those days, no one on staff had checked on him. Family members had tried to reach him by telephone during that time but assumed that the active and sociable Bonaldi was away from his room.
His death is being investigated by the B.C. Coroner’s service, and the privately-owned seniors facility is being investigated by the B.C. Ministry of Health and Interior Health.
The death of his wife, Maria Luisa Bonaldi, 84, in August is also under investigation. She died after surgery to repair a broken leg injury received while living at the same seniors home.
The B.C. Minister of Health, Margaret MacDiarmid, met with the Bonaldi family last week to discuss concerns about the care of both parents.