Obituary
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear Mother and Nonnina, Rosalia (Farruggia) at the age of 85 on August 18, 2022. Predeceased by the love of her life and beloved husband, Salvatore (Sam). Devoted and loving mother of Joseph (Maria), Raymond (Cinzia) and Carmelo. Cherished and loving grandmother, “Nonnina” of Samuel, Sarah, Andrea and Julian. Predeceased by her parents, Raimondo e Francesca Farruggia and brother Salvatore (Gianna) in Sicily. Adored Sister of Francesco Farruggia (the late Carmelina) (Hamilton), Giovanna (the late Carmelo Cacciatore) and Vincenza (Salvatore Cacciatore), Sicily, Italy. Dear Sister-in-law of Gina (late Stefano Suriano), the late Carmelo Baiardo (Giuseppina), the Late Marianna (Paul Coppe), Vince Baiardo (late Patricia) Jean Baiardo (Belgium) and Raimonda (Thierry) Belgium.
Born in Aragona, Sicily, Italy, Rosa fell in love with and married Salvatore (Sam) Baiardo in 1961. In 1962 they immigrated to Hamilton and started their family. As a devoted wife, mother, sister and sister-in-law Rosa was there for her family through thick and thin. In the sixties Rosa not only took care of her husband and three young boys, but she also cared for her brother Francesco and brothers-in-law, Carmelo and Vincenzo as the family continued to grow and immigrate to Canada. In 1969, our father Sam owned and operated Windsor Credit Jewellers where Rosa assisted with the business until 1976. In the early 80s Rosa worked at Tiny Tots Knitting Mills in Hamilton where she suffered a serious workplace injury. Despite her injury, Rosa was a strong and devoted typical proud Sicilian mom where “My three Sons” were like gold and could do no wrong. Her pizzas and lasagnas were, no contest, the best. The true joys of her life were her grandchildren who she “raised”, took care of and spoiled until they went to school. Her “granchu” were her “Amuri da Nonnina” and all were “Beautiful”. Until recently she was always in contact with her lifelong friends and “paesani “, such as Maria Vaccarello and the late Caterina Presti.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital Hamilton who treated Rosa with utmost respect and care in her final days, especially Jess, Michelle, Olga, Nathan, Antoinette and all on the 6th floor Mary Grace Wing. Thank you also to Dr. Woods. All exhibited the utmost compassion, care and professionalism.
Visitation will be held at FRISCOLANTI FUNERAL CHAPEL on Sunday, August 21, from 2-5 pm & 6-8 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at All Souls Church on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm. Entombment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Due to COVID the family kindly requests all visitors to please wear a mask to both the visitations and funeral mass. A celebration of life will be held at a later date so that we may all gather together.
Although her memory was fading, she always remembered the words to and enjoyed singing the classic Sicilian and Italian songs such as Dumani e Duminica, Rose Rosse and “Arrivederci ” which was her song for her everlasting love, Salvatore with who she is now reunited.
“Arrivederci, Arrivederci Tesoro, Arrivederci mio amore ti lascio il mio cuore finche tornero”. Thank You Mom for everything you’ve done for our family. Your love and your light will shine forever. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Cancer Assistance Program, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, or Sicilia Canta Canada or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rosalia Baiardo June 3 1937 August 18 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Hamilton, Province: Ontario