It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our Mother, Nonna and BisNonna, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in her 99th year. Loving wife of the late Francesco Moraca. Dear mother of the late Theresa Varano (Rocky), Savina Gulley (Don), Aldo (Andrea), Albina Biasucci (Gino), Josie Moraca, Sara Parkinson (Brian) of Toronto and Sergio (Sherry) of Guelph. Cherished Nonna of Maria Varano, Annalisa Varano (Brent Hunt), Patrick Varano, Laura Gulley (Claudio Annecca), Donny Gulley (Chrissy), Michael Moraca (Dana), Alexandra Michel (Tylor), Graham Moraca (Jillian), Carmine Biasucci (Delia), Franco Biasucci (Amanda), Stevie Luzzi, Christopher Parkinson, Kate Moraca (Kyle Drewitt) and Ashley Moraca (Adrian Aguiar). BisNonna of Sofia Gallo, Scarlett Hunt, Alexa and Keegan Annecca, Jack Gulley, Ryan and Mitchell Moraca, Ainsley and Harlow Michel, Emily and Matteo Biasucci, Lucas and Katelyn Biasucci and Quinn Drewitt.
Mafalda was born on August 22, 1924 in Cleto, Cosenza, Italy. In 1958, she emigrated to Canada, the land of opportunity, with her husband Frank and six children. They arrived with a single trunk of belongings, a sewing machine and a dream. Five years later a seventh child would arrive to complete the family. Nothing made them prouder than becoming Canadian citizens and raising successful children.
Mommy was a tenacious woman with a strong work ethic. She was a creative homemaker, master gardener and Queen of the Kitchen who could whip up a gourmet meal in minutes for her large family. She loved having everyone together and much time was spent gathered around the table over the years celebrating milestones and special occasions. Always sharing her love of homemade Italian cuisine, Mafalda was well known for a variety of special dishes and pastries including genettis, cannolis and peaches. It was a guarantee that a steaming plate of gnocchi and meatballs would be ready for you to enjoy when you showed up at Nonna’s house.
At Mafalda’s request a private family service was held with Mrs. Helen Smith. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Toronto Sick Kids Hospital or the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). www.northwoodfuneral.com
Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
We let you go
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
We let you go
Into the wind’s breath and the hands of the star maker
We let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home
~ Ruth Burgess