Mrs. Antonetta Michelina Filomena Pepe
December 19, 1928 – February 12, 2010
We the family of Mrs. Antonetta Pepe (nee Acquaviva) are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Mama, Mamanon and Great-Mamanon passed into eternal rest surrounded by her beloved family on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 3:30 PM at her home, Pinewood Court.
Antonetta was born in Orsara di Puglia, Foggia, Italia to Giovanni Acquaviva and Filomena Trivisano. Being the eldest of 9 children, she learned at a very young age what it meant to work hard, helping with the younger children while her parents worked in the fields. In 1948 she married our Papa, Antonio Pepe. In 1958 they emigrated with their 3 eldest children to Canada, travelling aboard the S.S. Saturna. She tells of a very trying voyage, 11 days and 10 nights at sea, landing at Halifax, Pier 21, followed by a 3 day journey by train settling in Fort William.
Mama was a strong independent woman who took great pride in raising her 7 children, while keeping the large family home on Rosslyn Road spotless, growing several large gardens, and in the early years, raising chickens so there was always fresh eggs and meat.
Mama was very proud of her heritage, and missed her homeland. After Papa's death, she returned to Italy with the intention of living the remainder of her life there, however, she missed her children and grandchildren deeply, returning after 4 months. She made several more trips to Italy including one to help her sisters nurse their ailing father.
In 2002, Mama moved to Pinewood court where over the next 7 years she made many friends among the wonderful staff, who cared for her and her fellow residents. Ms. Pepe, as she was affectionately addressed by staff, was "one of the most feisty residents the home had for as long as anyone could remember". She was a very generous lady, often "finding" abandoned articles to "re-gift" to those she thought fondly of. She spent endless hours sitting in her room sewing, or mending for the other residents. She will be remembered for the cloth bags that she sewed by hand. These she gave to those she thought fondly of with Love.
Antonetta's memory will be treasured by her children: Donald Pepe (Judy), Filomena Pepe, Louisa Edwards (Robert), Daniel Pepe (Jan Laing),Kelowna, BC, Maria Burla, Michelina Pepe (Paul Manzon), and Tony Pepe. Her Grandchildren: Kevin Cebrario (Schreiber, On), Kerri Kamphof (Bernie), Michael Edwards (Lindsey), John Pepe (Shawna), Ryan Pepe (Amanda Tattrie), Trina Dowd (Randy) Sydney MB, Melissa Merritt (Dwayne), Robert Merritt, Justin Burla, Brett Stefanato, Mikayla and Kiara Pepe. Great-Grandchildren: Emily, Ethan and Eric Kamphof, Ashton and Alyssa Edwards, Steven Merritt, Shaelyn Pepe, and Elsa and Anna Heinimaki.
Surviving also are her brothers and sisters: Antonia, Lucia, Maria, Anna, Rafaele, Aldo- all of Italia and Carlo of London, Ontario; brothers and sisters in law – Biagio & Carole Pepe, Rocco & Victoria Pepe, and father Michele Pepe of Pompei, Italy. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews are also surviving in Canada and Italy.
Antonetta was predeceased by husband Antonio, Mama & Papa Giovanni Filomena Acquaviva, brother Leonardo and son in law David Burla.
Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Antonetta Pepe will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. in the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James with Fr. Dan Lapolla of St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church officiating. Interment to follow in Mountainview Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday evening from 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Antonetta may be made to the Pinewood Court Residents Council or a charity of your choice.
Please sign the online condolences at www.everestofthunderbay.com
