Pileria’s Obituary
With heavy hearts and immense sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our cherished mother and nonna, Pileria Fortino, in her 79th year. She was surrounded by her dear children and grandchildren as she took her final breaths to meet her beloved husband of fifty years Giovanni (John) Fortino (d. 2011).
Pileria was the matriarch of the Fortino family, a selfless and nurturing heart always attentive to the well-being of her family and friends before her own. Pileria was the pillar of strength, and the heartbeat of the business with our father and nonno in the success of the “Supermarket with a Heart.” Our mom and nonna always led with her immeasurable heart. She had an infectious laugh and a bright smile that lit up every room. She was a woman of many talents and had so many things in her life that brought her pride. Coming from the town of Cosenza, Pileria’s many sacrifices were all to better the lives of her daughters and sons-in-law. This enduring love continued to grow with her grandchildren, who were the world to her. She will forever be in our hearts, and will never be forgotten for everything she has done for us.
Pileria loved spending time nurturing her beautiful garden, sharing the fruits of her labour with family and friends, bringing everyone together. This expression of love was demonstrated through her love for cooking and baking, always sharing her famous taralli. It made her so happy to see her family gathered around a table enjoying her food. Pileria was an energetic, light-hearted and competitive card player. She regularly gathered with her sisters, sisters-in-law, and friends to enjoy late-night rounds of poker and scopa – or playing slots at the casino.
Pileria is survived by her three loving daughters and sons-in-law, Luana and Domenic Raso, Mara and Peter Marlow, Eva and Joe Losurdo. She will be profoundly missed by her adoring grandchildren, Tonya, Vincent, John-Michael and his wife Becca, William, Jessica, Michael and Luke. She was excited to see the family grow, with the upcoming arrival of her great-granddaughter. Dear sister of the late Eugenio Mazzuca and his wife Rosina, the late Maria and Francesco Gallo, the late Francesco Mazzuca and his wife Maria, Rosa and her late husband Antonio Scornaienchi. In Italy; the late Raffaele Mazzuca and his wife Chiara, the late Giovanni Mazzuca and his wife Elvira, the late Ida and Ignazio Filice, Santo Mazzuca and his wife Ida, Antonio Mazzuca and his wife Giuseppina. Dear sister-in-law of the late Maria and Stan Filice, Gina and her late husband Umberto Spanguolo, the late Angela and Franco Carobelli, Ada and her late husband Armando Caruso. She will also be dearly missed by many nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends. Pileria always held a special place in her heart for the family dogs Samson, Haily, Cooper, Millie, Rosie, and Nala. Special gratitude to Dr. D. Hastings, Drs. L. & L. Lagrotteria, and the staff at Hamilton General Hospital. Visitation will be held at FRISCOLANTI FUNERAL CHAPEL (43 Barton Street East) on Sunday July 25th from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. As per the current COVID-19 guidelines there will be capacity restrictions, guests may need to wait before entering the visitation room and are required to wear a mask and socially distance. Due to capacity restrictions, private funeral mass and entombment to follow. In honour of Pileria and the family’s commitment to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the family would greatly appreciate a donation made to this organization in lieu of flowers.
Ti voglio tanto bene
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Pileria Fortino nee Mazzuca September 08 1942 July 22 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Hamilton, Province: Ontario