On Friday, October 7, 2022, the skies opened up and the heavens welcomed the most beautiful angel. An angel who earned her wings long ago. Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family who never left her side, Anna Cinelli passed away at the age of 74. She was the most loving wife to Lorenzo Cinelli and mother and mother-in-law to Maria (Salvatore), Gina, Lou (Jenn), Donna (Matthew), and Gianni. She was the cherished and treasured Nonna (Nonni) to Danielle, Alexander, Evan, Ben and Presley. Predeceased by her parents Luigi and Angela DeCiantis and her siblings Leo (Anna), Erminia Maola (Domenic), Sante (Teresa), Teresa Bei (Mariano), Tony, Francesca Forte (the late Silvio Forte), and Peter. She was survived by her best friend, beloved little sister and casino buddy Maria DeCiantis and the sweet aunt to so many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. We can’t forget to mention her adored “fur grandbabies” Molson in heaven, Mio, Rocco, Tango, Trippy, Niko, Daisy, Gracie, Rosie, Blanche and Coco.
Our mom was the seventh child born to Luigi and Angela DeCiantis on February 8, 1948, in Broccostella, Italy. She ventured from Italy to Canada on a ship when she was 5 years old. At the age of 22, she met her future husband Lorenzo at the Dante Club where she was taking part in the Miss. Dante Pageant. She was afraid of being too old for him so she fibbed and said she was 19. Little did she know after that, her life path was set in motion. She was married in April 1972 and by April 1988 she had a beautiful family with three daughters and two sons.
Our mom was a pure and gentle soul whose entire existence was to love and care for her family. She found happiness playing with her kids outside, never leaving them alone for a minute. She often spent time with all of us riding bikes and going skating. She was often found dancing in her kitchen to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”. Our family was blessed to wake up every Saturday morning to the smell of homemade bread in the oven. Her bread was famous to everyone who tasted it and it was felt that no one could ever replicate it no matter how hard they tried. Everything she cooked or baked was magical and it was recently said that “You could taste the love in her cooking!” She radiated love in all she did and said. She’d prepare for weeks cooking up a storm for occasions like Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. To this day, our family does not know how she managed to do it all and she never once complained. She would express such happiness knowing how much her hard work and delicious food were appreciated. She created so many core memories for everyone creating traditions such as picking tomatoes to make a homemade sauce as well as all the other canning she did! She filled our family’s bellies but even more so she filled our souls with joy.
Our mom was a fearless woman and was the epitome of strength. She would dig deep in the most profound moments and always come out on top. Over the past two weeks, no one left her side and we reminded her how loved she was and she felt it. She shared over and over how happy she was. It was in those final days that she taught us so much about family, time, life, love and friendship. She was courageous, resilient and had the mental fortitude of a warrior. She loved with her whole heart. Her husband, children and grandchildren were everything to her and her pride and joy. Of all the roles in her life, her role as mom and Nonni was her most cherished. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and she was the best “Nonni” anyone could ever imagine. The bonds she created with all of them will live forever in their hearts. She created endless memories with them that will be forever tattooed in their minds. We are truly the lucky ones! Our mom and Nonni was a sparkling, flawless gem who will leave an empty spot in their hearts that can never be replaced.
Our mom had a witty and funny charm, making us laugh even in the most chaotic of moments. On one of those tough days, she was asked what she wanted to be in her next life and her response will never be forgotten. “A blue jay eating spaghetti!” A room full of people feeling anguish and pain was brought to laughter. Only she could make everyone laugh and smile in a moment of despair. She never lost hope and quitting was not in her vocabulary. She wanted to live forever!
During one of her final days, she was blessed with her favourite meal (that she could not get off of her mind haha), homemade Italian spaghetti and peppers that her precious best friend Wanda (Carmen) made for her, her family, and her friends. Her room was filled with so much joy and happiness as our mom made sure everyone was eating right along with her. It was the biggest blessing and gift we never knew we needed. We are grateful for this memory as it will forever be etched in our brains. This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that we will never forget.
Mom, we thank you for loving us, your husband, your children and your grandchildren so deeply and with such fierceness. You were the foundation of all our worlds and even though we know life goes on, our hearts will forever be missing the biggest piece. You fought so hard to stay on earth for all of us but you finally have the peace and rest you deserve.
We were not expecting our mom’s life to be cut short and this is a day we never could have prepared for. We are heartbroken by this tremendous loss and know the world will not be as bright without her big smile and fearless presence. She had the strength and resiliency of 1000 lions, fighting to keep her feet grounded on earth so she could continue to love and nurture her family. Life will never ever feel the same without her here. To say that we are all completely gutted by our loss is an understatement. She was a best friend to all her children, grandchildren and so many more.
Fly high our sweet momma and Nonni. You will never be forgotten or more than a thought away. Forever loved and never EVER forgotten. We all miss you so much already. We were not ready to lose you. If you’re a bird, we’re all birds!
We love you more,
Your husband and all of your children
XO
The family wishes to thank the following nurses and doctors from Bluewater Health for their ongoing support, especially all those from the Dialysis Unit for making our mom feel like she was family, ICU (Katelyn), Telemetry (Rachel, Mary, & Danielle) and Palliative Care (Michelle, Vicky & Jaime). Another huge thank you to Dr. Shetty, Dr. Rosenblum, and Mary-May. We are grateful for all your expertise and compassion throughout this journey.
A private celebration of life and interment to follow at a later date by invitation only.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Anna Cinelli February 8th 1948 October 7th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario