With heartfelt love and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we celebrate the memory of our beloved mother, Antonietta Barca (née Rucchetto), who passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre.
Antonietta was born on January 22, 1924, in the town of Marano Marchesato, Cosenza, Italy, to Michele Rucchetto and Angelina Vite. As the second eldest of nine children, she grew up surrounded by a large, loving family that shaped her generous spirit.
In April 1958, with courage and hope, Antonietta journeyed to Canada with her four sons to reunite with her husband, Serafino, who had prepared a home for them in Port Arthur. A few years later, their family was blessed with the arrival of two daughters, and their family was complete.
Embracing her new life, Antonietta became a proud Canadian citizen. As the cherished matriarch of her family and a woman of unwavering faith, she nurtured and passed down values of strength, love, and resilience to her children and grandchildren. Her wise counsel, offered with warmth and care, was welcome, but not always solicited.
Antonietta’s heart was in her home, where she delighted in cooking, baking, knitting, and tending her garden. Her door was always open, and neighborhood children often found a welcoming meal and a kind smile awaiting them. She treasured her time working at the Lakehead University Residence Cafeteria, where she forged lifelong friendships that she lovingly maintained through the years. Above all, Antonietta found joy in the laughter and company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose presence filled her days with happiness and pride.
She is lovingly survived by her sons Mike (Anna), James (Judie), and Mario; her daughters Mary (Nok) Ratana-Rueangsri and Amelia Osadec; her grandchildren Katherine (Bob), Kristy, Lindsay (Curtis), Stephanie, Lauren (Richard), Andrew (Victoria), Janelle (Trevor), and Jennifer; and her great-grandchildren Cohen, Ben, Braden, Felix, Weston, Charlotte, Madeline, Chloe, Lillia, Grayson, and Bodhi. Antonietta’s special nieces Julie Rucchetto, Angie Maxted, and Mena Tarailo also hold her dear in their hearts.
She is fondly remembered by her brother Carmine and sister Fiorina and their families in Italy, sister-in-law Maria Barca and family in Montreal, and nieces and nephews and their families across Chicago, Toronto, and Italy.
Antonietta was predeceased by her parents, her devoted husband Serafino and his parents, her beloved son Frank, her cherished grandson Adrian, siblings Tony, Maria, Carmela, Giulia, Gilda, and Francesca, and in-laws Emma Rucchetto, Alessandro Barca, and Rita Chiappetta. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Pioneer Ridge for the loving care they provided during her brief stay.
A celebration of Antonietta’s life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, with Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. In honour of her generous spirit, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are in care of Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma. Condolences may be shared online at everestofthunderbay.com.
We will forever cherish her songs, poems, stories, wisdom, and her wonderfully warm sense of humour that brightened our lives. Antonietta’s love remains a guiding light in our hearts.
Riposa in pace mamma.
