It is with great sadness that the family of the late Erminia (Montalto) Lento, resident of Thunder Bay, announce her passing. Erminia, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 27th, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital with her loving family by her side.
Erminia was born on March 22nd, 1923 in Luzzi Cosenza, Italy. She met the love of her life Camillo, and they were married in Italy in 1947. After several joyous years of marriage they completed their family with five beautiful children.
Erminia led a traditional and simple life, but she knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. She had an easy going, calm personality and was truly a peacemaker. Her home was never empty, and for so many years it was the family’s gathering place; however, everyone knew not to visit during her favourite Italian soap operas. The family enjoyed endless summer backyard gatherings eating cold watermelon and cherries with “Nonna Erminia” wearing her big, white sunhat.
Erminia had a zest for life, and was a symbol of love and strength with how she lived her daily life, and even more so in her last few days. She loved shopping at her favourite store, Sears, for clothes, make-up and perfume. The family enjoyed many memorable drives to Duluth and Winnipeg. Many of her grandchildren inherited her love for shopping.
Erminia is survived by her children Saverio (Maria) Lento, Aurelia (Demetrio) Sposato, Maria (Pasquale) Ferriolo, Frank (Phyllis) Lento, and her loving son Tony Lento. She is also survived by her brother-in-laws Frank Bisignano and Francesco Greco and sister-in-law Assunta Giorno as well as many nieces and nephews in Thunder Bay and Italy. She will also be sadly missed by her thirteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren. We will miss you Nonna, Emanuel Sposato, Alberto Ferriolo, Daniela (Rocco) Cristoforo, Erminia (Mike) Sousa, Maggie Ferriolo, Camillo (Angela) Lento, Lisa (John-Paul) Federico, Robert (Jessica) Lento, Paolo (Andrea) Lento, Luca (Angelisa) Ferriolo, Marisa (Chris) Sousa, Joseph Sposato, and Frankie Lento.
She is predeceased by her husband, Camillo Lento, parents Giuseppe Montalto and Eleonora Ferro, brothers and sisters, Francesco, Emilio, Eugenio, Angelina, and Rosina Montalto. She is also predeceased by her brother- and sister-in-laws, Nicola and Emilia Lento, Salvatore and Ida Bisignano, Francesco Lento, Mariano and Carmela Lento, Erminia Lento, Assunta Bisignano, Antonio and Adelina Brogno and nephews, Saverio Lento and Peppino Caloiero.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 when family and friends will gather for the Funeral Mass in St. Dominic’s Church at 10:00 am celebrated by Rev. Maurizio Maifredi c.s. Interment will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with Vigil Services offered at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evening at Blake’s Funeral Chapel. If friends desire, memorials to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
