Emma Mantello

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Emma Mantello at Roseview Manor on May 15th, 2021 at the age of 84 years old. Emma was born in Grimaldi, Provincia Consenza, Italy on August 14th, 1936 to Anna and Michele Pucci.

Emma was a quiet, gentle and loving soul. She had a great sense of humour and an infectious smile. Emma was a matriarch, she devoted her life to her family, always ensuring they were well-fed and loved. Emma was married to the love of her life Guerino on December 5th, 1953. Like many others in her community, Guerino immigrated to Canada in 1954. By 1957, Emma immigrated to Canada and was reunited with her husband in Toronto.

Emma gave birth to her daughter Mary in June of 1958, and son Michael in April 1959. Shortly after Michael’s birth, they relocated to Port Arthur, Ontario to be reunited with Emma’s mother Anna; brother Ernesto and three sisters; Rosaria, Giuseppina, and Maria.

Prior to immigrating to Canada, Emma learned to become a seamstress, a career which she loved until her retirement in 1988. Even after her retirement you could always catch her with her sewing machine with her bird Billy by her side. Emma loved to tell stories of her time as a seamstress. She worked a variety of jobs and was incredibly valued at each of them.

You would often find Emma with Guerino tending to their garden. She loved baking bread, making sauce, or spending time with her sisters and brother. Emma found tremendous joy in cooking meals for her family, spending time with her children and making her daily phone calls to her sisters, brother and mother.

Emma found her greatest joy when she became a Nonna to her three grandchildren: Tyler, Erika and Dayna. Emma spent majority of her days spending time with her grandchildren at her home and taking them on walks to the local parks and corner store. Emma always said the greatest gift she ever received was her grandchildren and was very proud of all their accomplishments.

Emma is survived by her husband of 67 years Guerino, daughter Mary (Ralph) Halverson, and Michael. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Tyler, Erika (Chris), Dayna (Mike). Brother Ernesto Pucci, sisters Rosario (Antonio) Bennardo, Maria (Joe) Sanzo. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Gustina Lonero (Mantello); brother-in-law Ettore Vecchio and numerous nieces and nephews.

Emma was predeceased by her parents Anna and Michele Pucci, sister Giuseppina Vecchio, sister-in-law; Maria Pucci, niece Anna Pucci, in laws Maria and Michele Mantello, her 4 brothers in law and 7 sisters in laws.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks the staff at Roseview Manor for their compassion and support over the last few years and special thanks to Harbourview Funeral Centre for their kindness and assistance during this difficult time.

Funeral Services will be held privately for family on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, presided by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, May 20th. Due to current gathering restrictions, space is limited. Please call the funeral home at 346-9880 to reserve a time to visit.
 
For those unable to attend in person, both the funeral and committal service will be streamed live at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.

As directed by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, the attendance at the funeral is restricted to 10 people or less and a record of attendance must be maintained. Wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet is mandatory for those attending the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Diabetes Association or St. Anthony’s Church.