MARTONE, MARIA

The family sadly announces the passing of Maria Martone of Winnipeg on January 16, 2009. She was born to the late Vincenzo and Teresa Tummillo, January 11, 1929 in Muro Lucano Potenza, Italy. She joined Luigi Martone in holy matrimony on April 18, 1948. They were married for 60 years until Maria's passing. They lived together in Bella Potenza, Italy before immigrating to Balmertown, Ontario in 1954 and then relocating to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1988. Maria was passionate about her family and her church. She served both well for her entire lifetime. Maria was an active member of St. Ignatius Church for more than 20 years and over 30 years at St. Francis Xavier Church in Balmertown, Ontario. She loved to travel and cook for her family. Her servant heart and gift of strength will be missed greatly by every one of her children, grandchildren and extended family. Maria is survived by her spouse Luigi Martone and four children: Donato (Jennifer) of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; Nina D'Antonio (Giuseppe) of Woodbridge, Ontario; Vincenzo (Sandra) of Balmertown, Ontario and Antonio (Tessie) of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She also is survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is further survived by Rosa Mariani (Pasquale predeceased) of Winnipeg; Antoinetta Galante (Francesco predeceased) of Italy; Gerardina Celsalonga (Giovanni) of Italy; Antonio Tummillo (Jeannette) of Sault Ste. Marie; Mario Tummillo (Lilliana) of Montreal; Giuseppina Adamo (Saverio) of Winnipeg; Filomena Zaccardo (Giuseppe) of France; Francesco Tummillo (Angela) of Italy and many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives from here and abroad. Prayers will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2009, St. Ignatius Church, Stafford and Corydon Avenue. A private family burial will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Victoria General Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Liver Foundation. A special thank you goes to Dr. Minuk and the doctors and staff who cared for Maria while she was at the Victoria General Hospital. In the words of Maria herself: Miss me a little, but not too long, miss me - but let me go.