Dr. Vittorina (Vikki) Cecchetto
It is with great sadness that the family of Vikki Cecchetto announce the passing of their sister after a courageous battle with cancer on September 3, 2020.

Vikki will be sadly missed by her sister Gianna Madsen (Late Tony), her brother Luciano Cecchetto (Maria), her nephew Adrian Cecchetto (Stefania) and niece Laura Murer (Adam). She will also be greatly missed by her great nephews and niece (Sebastiano, Leo and Chiara Rosa).

Born in Casacorba, Italy, at age 2, Vikki and her Mother immigrated to Canada to join her father. Vikki’s zest for knowledge was evident at a very young age. Vikki proudly achieved her BA (1973), MA (1974) and PhD (1982) at the University of Toronto.

Vikki chose to spend her teaching career at McMaster University. Throughout her 35 year tenure, Vikki taught, inspired and guided a multitude of students. She built strong and long-lasting, genuine friendships with both her colleagues and her students along the way. She started in the Department of Romance Languages and then, in 1987, moved to Modern Languages. She was the Director of the McMaster Language Institute, long-term counsellor for linguistics and the first graduate chair of the new PhD and Master’s program in the Cognitive Science of Language. Vikki was the author of the popular Italian language textbook Primi Passi and co-editor of three other books on language and identity in exile, international classroom and, most recently, trauma. Vikki went above and beyond to collect interviews from the families of Italian Canadians who were interned during WWII. Her research involved 2nd language loss in aging bilinguals, the effects of trauma, and, most recently hate speech against refugees and minorities.

Vikki sought to explore topics that were socially engaging and important, always with the goal of helping others. She retired from McMaster in 2011 as Associate Professor but continued to do research whilst devoting her spare time as a volunteer on the board of the Hamilton Public Library.

Over the past 6 months, Vikki consistently faced her battle with cancer with a relentless, fighting attitude. It was inspiring to watch her remain positive and hopeful while always putting others first. Vikki was also a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Her gentle presence, warmth, passion, generosity and caring ways were admirable and will be deeply missed.

We can never forget her unconditional love for her furry friend, Tigger the cat.

Visitation at Bay Gardens Funeral Home - "William J. Markey Chapel", 947 Rymal Road East, HAMILTON (905.574.0405) on Wednesday from 2-4pm and from 7 - 9pm . Due to Covid 19 attendance restrictions the Mass will be celebrated by invitation by the family only. Cremation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, Juravinski Cancer Center or a charity of your choice in her honour is appreciated.