Our Locations
Caledonia
Maria Sittaro
September 05, 1937 to September 17, 2020
Mom ended her life journey on September 17, 2020 lovingly with Claudia (Rick
Mamros) at her side caring for her every need, adored from afar by Ivana (Jim
Wright) during these extraordinary global times.
Mom is finally reunited with her beloved husband (Guido), mother and father
(Antonia/Celso Franz), sisters Irma (Gildo Gosgnach) and Rina (Camillo Cavalieri).
She is survived by her brother Guiseppe (Graziella), cherished by niece Rina
LaClaire (Bill Bodner), great niece Lia (James Wright) and their children, nephew
Silvano Cavalieri (Melodye), niece Teresa Maria Sittaro, nephew Mario Sittaro
(Rosario), and her best friend Suzanne Bijak (affectionately referred to as her
‘wife’).
We will remember mom’s devotion to her late husband, love of family, enjoying
the company of friends, deep rooted faith, sense of humour, work ethic, love of
music, and terrific cooking. Her resolute fearless courage and desire to leave this
world literally dancing, despite her frailties, will continue to inspire those of us
that love her so deeply.
A special thanks to the care team of staff, doctors, nurses, personal support
workers, and management team led by Trillium Health Partners. Their
compassion, kindness, love and support made mom feel special. They brought
happiness and laughter to her final days. For that we are grateful.
Ci mancherai. Addio, Mamma. (We will miss you. Goodbye.)
Watch the service live tomorrow at 10:30am (link below)
https://stcatherine.ca/watch-live/
Please note: all condolences are reviewed before they appear publicly on the obituary page.
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13 Guestbook Entries
September 19, 2020 | Silvana Azzolini
Dear Claudia, Ivana and family,
We are very sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. We have very fond memories of her and your family’s visits to Thunder Bay from Dryden back when we were kids. She always had a smile on her face and the friendship she shared with our mum lasted through the years despite them living kilometres apart. Hopefully, they are together somewhere looking down on us all.
Silvana Azzolini and Family
xo
September 19, 2020 | Carol Austerberry
So beautifully written ❤️ These last few weeks were an amazing blessing for you to be at Maria’s side sharing love, laughter, tears and her favourite music playing throughout with you taking turns being each other’s strength. Cherish these lifelong memories to help comfort you thru the days ahead. Keeping you all close to our hearts and in our thoughts and prayers. We’ll share a toast to Maria tonight ! Sending our love, Carol and Tom xo
September 19, 2020 | Jacqueline & Family
It is with deep sadness that we wish to express our sincere sympathy with the passing of your mother Maria.
The loss of someone you were close to is never easy. … “ Maria will be in our hearts and memories forever.” “Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time.” “Words, no matter how kind, can’t mend your heartache.
Suzanne will miss hear very much. God Bless You All
Jacqueline Kuzmin and Family
September 19, 2020 | Marty Drenth
I was fortunate to have known Maria and now, that she’s in the arm’s of Jesus! RIP
September 19, 2020 | Rina La Claire
Maria was my most beloved & colourful Zia. Visiting her & my Zio Guido in Dryden throughout my youth was always a highlight, especially when I spent a whole summer with them. Oh how delicious the polenta was, having been cooked by Guido over a wood burning stove & accompanied by Maria’s rabbit stew. One summer Maria convinced her employer to give me a job alongside her at Len-Ver Inn. She in the kitchen, me waiting on the short order counter when the Greyhound buses came in. I quickly realized that was not going to be my career choice, thanks to Maria. She was subtle that way. Parting at the end of our visits was always tearful as I was always so sad leaving her.
Later, when I had my children, Maria & Guido welcomed them with open arms, loving them & spoiling them. By then they had their cottage at Ghost Lake where they took Brent & Lia fishing & swimming. In turn Brent & Lia adored them.
Maria had a wonderful & optimistic outlook, never staying in the moment & always moving on. She laughed easily & had an abundance of humour & a healthy cynicism. I felt a huge kinship to her & I will miss her. I’m so grateful that I was able, alongside my daughter Lia & grand daughter Jessica to celebrate her 80th birthday with her 3 yrs ago. Thankfully I visited her in January, before Covid.
Rest In Peace dear Maria… we love you!
September 20, 2020 | Sandy
A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory. So sorry for your loss.
Sandy & David
September 20, 2020 | dino sittaro
Claudia, Ivana and family,
Our deepest sympathies on this loss. Words can not describe the loss of this angel that god put on earth. Zia will always be remembered with the loving compassion she showed Sandra, Teresa, and I whenever we went to their ghost lake paradise. Boy, those were the good old days……both Zia and Zio treated us like gold and I’ll never forget the endless cheek pinches and kisses Zia would always steel – she was crazy with the cheek pinches ????.
We’re happy to see your mom and dad will be together again.
We love you dearly, and are thinking of you in this difficult time.
Love you all,
DINO, JENN, MANDRIC, LOGAN SITTARO
September 20, 2020 | Teresa Sittaro
Our sincerest condolences to Claudia, Ivana and family. She will be very missed. I remember many summers spending times on ghost lake with my favourite part going up to the loft…and then having the best food followed by jumping in the water and enjoying the best sauna I have ever experienced. I am so saddened by this but know deep inside she is going to be with her great love once again and we will feel her presence when she looks down from afar.
Love Teresa Sittaro, Ryen, Luke, Zak and Jaxon
September 21, 2020 | Sandra Cummings
Dearest Claudia, Rick, Ivan and Jim;
Please accept our sincere condolences as you journey through this time of loss. Like Dino and Teresa, I have very found childhood and teenage memories of Zia. Whether at her home in Dryden, or on Ghost Lake, Zia always shared unwavering love towards her extended family through her incredible cooking, warm welcome and smile. I distinctly remember her inviting me over to her home at lunch time during my grade 7 and 8 years at Pinewood School. While I always brought my own lunch she felt it necessary to ensure I did not leave without a plate of her homemade dessert. The extraordinary memories of Zia are endless.
In the midst of sorrow, we hope that the clear blue sky, the wind across your cheek and the sounds of nature allow you to recall the memories of JOY of such a profound member of your family. May God bless your days with endless peace, love and calm.
Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon Zia. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
With deepest sympathy,
John, Sandra, Kendall and Kate
xo
September 22, 2020 | Albert Azzolini
Sorry to hear about your mum,
our thoughts are with you.
John Azzolini
Albert Azzolini & family ( lisa , Alex & Sara )
September 22, 2020 | Ingrid Harris
Dear Claudia and Rick,
We are thinking of you during this time. I’m sure the memories of your Mom will be with you forever. Condolences to your family, Harris (Ingrid, Phil, Nathan, and Micah)
September 22, 2020 | Carrie and Wai Yeung
Dear Claudia and Rick,
Our prayers are with you and family at a time like this. May God bless you!
September 23, 2020 | Cheron
My deepest condolences to you and your family, dear Claudia. “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” The shared memories will always comfort and ease your sorrow. Thinking of you and Rick and sending much love. May your mother Rest In Peace. Cheron.