Pasqualina’s Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pasqualina on September 10, 2020, in her 89th year. She joins her beloved husband Vittorio. Loving mother of Claudio (Leona), Roger (Darlene), Maria (Graham) and David (Kate). Wonderful grandmother to David, Daniel (Sarah), Sarah (Earle), Danielle (Adam), Vincent (Lisa), AJ, and Claire, and adoring great-grandmother ‘Nonna’ to Abigail, Nathan, Theo, Jaxon, Arabella, and Nolan. She is survived by her dear brother Elio and sister-in-law Antonietta, and sister Silvana. She is predeceased by her parents Luigi Vanni and Carmine DiNardo and her sisters Rinalda, Florinda, Elisa, and Amelia. Dear aunt to Tony, Lida, Marisa, Sandra, Marie, Diane, and many more nieces and nephews in Italy, Argentina and Mauritius.
Resilience was a theme throughout Pasqualina’s almost 89 years. She grew up in the backdrop of the War and had many responsibilities as a child living in rural San Pio, Italy. She learned how to make pasta as a nine-year-old, needing to stand on a block in order to reach over the counter. She was expected to make meals and put in work to help her family live off the land. Pasqualina married Vittorio at 18 and had to be strong in the early years of Claudio’s life when her husband went overseas to find new opportunities for them in North America. They all reunited in Canada and she helped raise a family of four children with Vittorio working shifts. She was the glue, the tough-but-loving mother, who orchestrated the household.
Pasqualina eventually began to work part-time at St. Joseph’s Hospital and her tenacious spirit was on display there. When conditions were unfair for her and her co-workers, she would let her voice be heard. When Vittorio fell ill in the 1997, she worked tirelessly to care for him until his final moments.
Pasqualina spent 20 years on her own in the family house on Park Row S. She always embraced family and was most proud of raising her four children, who all developed a moral compass (and cooking skills). Pasqualina loved spending time with her grandchildren and beamed when her great grandchildren began to arrive. The kids would always put the biggest smile on her face and she was most gratified when they would gobble up a delicious meal that she had prepared.
The resilience that was Pasqualina’s trademark was never more necessary than in the past year as her health began to decline. She was truly brave throughout a gruelling, months-long stay in hospital and convalescent care. She worked hard at her rehab in the hope of making it back to her most recent home at Seasons. When the pandemic hit and she needed support the most, Pasqualina had to rely only on phone calls with her family. She did not quit. Pasqualina and her loved ones were thankful to enjoy a few outdoor visits at her long-term care facility throughout the summer, where she told stories about Italy and joked about her new-look long hair.
Her strength and generosity will not be forgotten by those who knew her. Pasqualina represents a true success story – a young immigrant who came to a new country, with no knowledge of the language, before making a meaningful life for her and her family.
The family is grateful to the staff at Shalom Village and the General Hospital for the care and consideration she received. A private family visitation will be held at Friscolanti Funeral Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 128 Edgemont St. S, Hamilton, on Wednesday September 16, 2020 at 11 a.m. With the COVID-19 Regulations and Restrictions, the wearing of masks is mandatory, and there are capacity restrictions at the church. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Burlington, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hamilton Food Share, the Good Shepherd Centre, or the Geriatric Rehab program at Juravinski Hospital would be greatly appreciated. Online Condolences can be made on the Friscolanti Funeral Chapel Website. www.friscolanti.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Pasqualina Gloria Di Cenzo October 28 1931 September 10 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Hamilton, Province: Ontario