Maria Catroppa was born on September 28, 1940 in a small town in southern Italy. Her life was brutally cut short on November 24, 2009 when her husband murdered her in their home.

Dr. Innocenza Tuason, Maria’s daughter says, “Our mother touched many lives. Mom was our light, our rock, our friend, our confidante, our protector, our provider, our guide, our father, our mother and our hero.”

In memory of Maria Catroppa, Surrey Women’s Centre has collaborated with her family, the City of Surrey, and local residents Alison Soroka and award-winning film maker John Banovich on a campaign to help women identify risk factors for domestic violence and access critical resources such as the Surrey Women’s Centre. It is our hope to honour the life of Maria by helping other women living in fear for their lives.

It has been a privilege for Surrey Women’s Centre to learn Maria’s story. We have had the honour of sharing in private memories, photos and stories. The Catroppa Family’s immeasurable grief is only matched by their infinite compassion to tell her story to save others.

The family has created the Maria Catroppa Memorial Award Fund at Kwantlen Polytechnic University to help single mothers who may not otherwise be able to further their education. “What better way to honour her memory and to help women in need than to create an award in her name?” says Giuseppina Osterman, Maria’s daughter.

Join Maria’s family and the Surrey Women’s Centre in helping women and their families escape violence.

Click here to donate a gift in honour of Maria.

Maria, may you rest in peace.