Irma Ricci

Irma D'Angelo Ricci, born March 31, 1942, passed away peacefully Friday June 25, 2021.

In 1957, Irma, a bold courageous young woman, travelled from Cantalupo, Isernia, to Fort William Ontario Canada. She was only 15 years old when her family made the big journey overseas to discover new opportunities.

She quickly entered the work force as a waitress at a local diner where she met the love of her life, Sergio Ricci. Her eyes didn't like him the first time, as he had just finished working in the bush camp, and hadn't cleaned up. Second time was the charm, her eyes approved. They married February 7, 1959, and started their beautiful family of three kids in 1961.

While caring for and providing for her family, Irma began exploring her skills as a seamstress and tailoring.
She designed and made many many outfits for her growing children, nieces and nephews-yes we have pictures!
Irma began taking sewing and dressmaking lessons from her older sister Emilia. Emilia transferred many of her clients to Irma, beginning her passion and pride of making everyone look and feel their best. Many local stores referred their customers to Irma for alterations.

Irma worked for Dresswell Cleaners for many years, and was dubbed "The Cabbage Patch Doctor". As a little girl, Irma did not have a doll [bambola] , so she took great pride in cleaning , mending the dolls and their outfits. The "Cabbage Patch Doctor" story was featured in one of the local papers. Soccer manager with coach Frank, the sewing and alterations didn't just happen for gowns and grown-ups. Irma always made sure the players on her boy's team had mended uniforms, and would also purchase soccer shoes for the boys who couldn't afford them.

Irma's tenderness was known to many. She didn't miss an opportunity to share her love and kindness with not only her family and friends, but also to her community. Irma took time and goods to volunteer as well as donate to those in need in Thunder Bay and the greater public. Her generosities were big, and her heart was bigger. Her doors were always open, no matter who you were or what time of day it was, what you wanted, she always welcomed you with open arms and the warmest hugs. She did have one remarkable trademark. Whenever her kids brought a new "friend" over, she studied them well her eyes. Her eyes could burn holes in your chest. In Italy she was known as " occhi di vetro" eyes of glass.

In 1987, Irma entered into a new adventure and career path as an entrepreneur, opening Irma's Bridal Boutique on Victoria Avenue. The business was a hit! Two years later, she purchased her new building on 941 Simpson St.
She had an eye for bridal and special occasion wear, and just by looking at the customer, could pick out the perfect gown. She was brutally honest with her clients.

Once the gown was fit for the bride, Irma did not just watch it walk out the door, she needed to watch it walk down the aisle in perfect working order. And if it wasn't perfect, she would produce a sewing kit out of thin air and the crisis would be averted, just in classic Irma fashion: with style and grace.

After 32 years providing supreme bridal business in Thunder Bay, her legacy lives on through her daughter, Josy. Her vision for Irma's Boutique has been inspired by her mother's many years of experience.

As a prolific business woman, she was a member of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Thunder Bay Women's Network, and along with her daughter, organized many, many fashion shows. Irma, her sister Emilia, and many nieces, worked in the back change area of the shows, pinning, adjusting, and popping "boobie" cups the models outfits, seconds before the cat walk. Just like her alterations, each model was fitted perfectly!! Her talents were vast creative and benevolent.

The Sunday dinner tradition began early on in Irma's life events. These events looked like something out of a good family movie. The homemade pasta, sauce, meatballs, cutlets, etc- always plentiful, the laughs were contagious and Sergio kept the wine flowing . There was never an empty spot at the table. Family came from all over to join in these weekly feasts, where Irma would orchestrate the event with ease and grace. You could never tell how much work went into the celebration because she made it look so effortless, like she snapped her fingers and made everything appear. She was a natural at entertaining, it was just a part of who she was. Her love of family dinners has been instilled in her children and grandchildren. We will continue this tradition, but the recipes will never be quite the same, especially her famous cheesecake.

Irma is survived by her children , Giuseppina Vaillant, Mario Ricci [Megan] Gabriele Ricci [Debbie], Jim Vaillant, Laura Lee Barrie. Grandchildren, Vanessa [Stephen], Andre [Megan], Martina , David, Gyllean, Lynzie [Jarrod] , Lucas [Jess] Marcus. Siblings Emilia Veneziale, Rolando D'Angelo [Addolorata], Antonietta D'Angelo, Charmaine D'Angelo, many nieces and nephews here in Canada and Italy, and numerous Godchildren. Furbabies, Casper,Taz, Cashew, Winnie, Achilles, Franny, Neph and Ted, Ruby and Scampi. Predeceased by her husband Sergio [June1,2020], brother Enzo D'Angelo, Michele Veneziale, Felice Mancini, parents Francesco and Gioina D'Angelo.

We would like to thank Dr. Arlene Capricci, Dr. Aparna Nagar, Dr. Miller, Medicare, and the many health care workers who made Irma's last few months much more comfortable. Most of all, from the entire family, the biggest, most heartfelt gratitude, appreciation and thanks, goes out to Gabe and Debbie. When the beloved Rosslyn Road home began to swallow our Mother, Nonna, Zia, Cugina, Comare, friend, they moved her, lovingly, patiently, into their home. We all thought this would give her a boost. But Irma knew the disease, fibrosis of the lungs, had taken it's toll. Slowing down her every move. She passed away Friday June 25th, at Gabe and Debbie's home, surrounded by her beloved family.

As per Irma's wishes, cremation has taken place and she will be put to rest together with her husband Sergio.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 6th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A private Funeral Mass for Irma and Sergio will take place on Tuesday July 6th.

Arrangements are in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com. In Irma's honour, on behalf of Marcus Ricci, donations can be made to Autism Ontario Thunder Bay Chapter, Special Olympics Thunder Bay or Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding.

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