Leda Villella

It is with great sadness that we announce that our dear mother, Leda Villella, passed away peacefully at home on November 5th, 2021 at 87 years of age.

Leda Marie Sacchetti was born on January 19, 1934 in Castelli, Teramo, Italy where she lived for the first sixteen years of her life. Our mother often entertained us with stories of the joys and hardships of rural life in Italy before, during and after the war. Leda and her family immigrated to Port Arthur, Ontario in 1950 seeking post war opportunities in Canada.

Not long after coming to Canada, mom met a very charming Albert Villella whom immediately swept her off her feet. They married in 1953, raised us three children and spent 64 happy years together until dad’s passing in 2017.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, Mario and Angela Sacchetti; granddaughter Renee Deschenes- Wright; brother-in-law Fred Sylvester and her special Zia Adalgisa Marconi.

Above all, mom was a loving and selfless wife, mother and grandmother. She always put her family first; her life revolved around the happiness and well-being of others. Mom especially enjoyed cooking delicious homemade Italian meals that she lovingly served with pride to her family and friends. She was truly a master pasta maker and would happily provide lessons and cooking tips to all those whom were interested; grandson Matthew was her most recent, enthusiastic student. She had a way of making cooking look so effortless.

Mom was a friendly and social person whom was beautiful inside and out. People would immediately warm up to her friendly and generous nature. She would often be seen stopping to chat with all those she encountered when out for her daily walks. Mom also enjoyed playing cards with her friends and attending social events where she “dressed to the nines.” She was quite the little fashionista! Mom was especially skillful or perhaps lucky at playing Canasta. It was a card game she played all of her adult life and never turned down an opportunity to challenge her opponents.

Not only was mom cute, adorable and bubbly, she possessed an incredible sense of humour with an infectious and unforgettable laugh. Mom and her sister Rossana, whom she had an exceptionally close and unique relationship, were able to find humour in almost anything; the two would laugh and giggle together for hours.

Mom was definitely a little spitfire, full of zest, pep and boundless energy, especially when it came to conversation. She was hard to keep up with and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Up until her last days with us, mom remained active and independent, living comfortably and happily in her cozy home of many years.

Mom is survived by us, her three children, Douglas Villella (Sandra), Elizabeth Deschenes (Marcel), David Villella (Jacqueline); grandchildren Neil Villella (Jessica), Jean-Paul Deschenes, Matthew Villella, and Carly Carreiro (Mauro); great grandchildren Sandro and Mya Carreiro, Jackson and Kingston Hamel-Deschenes, Daniel and Dylan Villella; sister Rossana Sylvester; brothers Benito (Bernice) and Mark (Sharon) Sacchetti; and many very special nieces, nephews and friends.

For mom’s family and friends, she has left us much too soon. We had all hoped for many more years with this special lady. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Our world just won’t be the same without her.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 10:30am in St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Luigi Filippini. Interment will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Proof of Double Vaccination is NOT required for the church service. Wearing a mask and social distancing is mandatory. Space will be limited.

Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm in EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma, with Vigil Prayers at 7:00pm. Wearing a mask and PROOF OF DOUBLE VACCINATION AND PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND VISITATION AND PRAYERS.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Leda Villella to Dew Drop Inn would be appreciated.