Caterina Colonello
Caterina “Cathy” Colonello
Caterina passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2022, in Barrie, Ontario. Born on August 28, 1930, to parents Antonio and Emma Colonello in Pozzo, Italy. At the age of twenty-three, she took a long boat voyage from Italy to New York, and a train trip to Toronto, Canada to start a new life with her fiancé. From her first day of marriage, Caterina took on the responsibility of caring for her husband and male relatives as they laboured in the construction industry.
Caterina was married for forty-seven years to Giovanni “Jack” Colonello, until he succumbed to cancer in November 2000.
Caterina will be dearly missed by her older daughter Anna Maria Colonello, Bill Eaton and younger daughter Rosina Zampese, son-in-law Anthony Nardelli as well as and her grandchildren Christina, Jacqueline, and Brandon Zampese.
Caterina is predeceased by her siblings Angelina, Linda, Delfina and Valentino. She is survived by her sister Nives and brother-in-law Remiggio Bozzer, brother-in-law Nicola Colonello, and sister-in-law Laura Colonello, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will also be dearly missed by her friends and associates.
Her Catholic faith was central to her life, and she dedicated much time to the rosary, prayer, and spiritual devotions. She was always prepared for the daily TV or Radio Maria broadcast of the Mass in addition to regular Sunday attendance.
Most important to her, however, was her family, treasuring them above all other things and ensuring no one left hungry. Caterina loved looking after her grandchildren while they were young and providing her wisdom as they grew. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, knitting for charities (and anyone who asked), and getting just a bit competitive at cards.
She sacrificed her own needs to give her children and grandchildren a better life than she had. Despite all the struggles, she admitted life was simpler “back then” and everyone created their own fun.
Caterina wanted all to remember her as she was: a friendly, caring woman, full of life, and always finding something to keep herself busy. She always found strangers to befriend or chat up in the mall, finding out their life story while she took a rest.
She did not want anyone to be sad for her; she is now in the Kingdom of God, reunited with so many who have gone before her. It is we who are sad not to have her around on this earth. At her request, there will be no viewing, however, there will be a live-streamed Mass from the funeral home at Assumption Cemetery for those who cannot be there in-person. Entombment will follow.
Details of Funeral and link:
Caterina donated to many charities and it would please her in lieu of flowers that you may make a donation to Chalice: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/DonationPage.aspx?eventid=250665&langpref=en-CA&Referrer=https%3a%2f%2fchalice.ca%2f
We hope to have a memorial mass at a future date for those unable to attend her funeral.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Caterina Colonello 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Barrie, Province: Ontario