Maria Franzese

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the heart of our family, Maria Franzese. Mom passed away peacefully in her 92nd year on Sunday, August 8th with her family by her side.

She was born in the village of Schiava in the Campania region of Italy on November 28th, 1929. She had a happy, tranquil childhood as the middle child of her 4 siblings. Maria married Salvatore Franzese by proxy on July 14, 1954 and from that moment on, there was never a dull moment. After a long overseas voyage on the MS Vulcania in which sea sickness kept her largely confined to her cabin, Maria docked in Halifax. Her stylish Italian boots sank into the deep Canadian snow on Christmas Eve 1955 as she stepped off the train in Fort William. Maria joined her husband Sal, her sister, Rosa, brother-in-law, Erasmo and nephew Jimmy in their shared home on Crawford Avenue. Daughter Linda and niece Mary arrived in 1956, and then nephew Jerry in 1959, leading to countless, wonderful memories. The baby of the family, Anna arrived in 1968 and prompted a move to Mary Street where Maria still resided. The families remain very close. Maria and her sister and best friend Rosa shared special occasions, recipes, gardening tips and spoke daily, often more than once. Her niece, Mary, and nephews Jim (deceased) and Jerry were always close to her heart. She helped to rescue them from skipping ropes, flying forks and gruelling practice for spelling bees.

Family always came first for Maria and she took great pride in loving and caring for her own. She cherished her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always expressed how proud she was of their many achievements. Nonna loved special events; she always purchased our dresses and made sure everyone had the perfect jewellery for weddings, graduations, communions and baptisms. She was happiest when her entire family was together. She is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Maria’s life mission was to love her family, and she showed it by feeding us all. Maria was a cook extraordinaire whose kitchen was always full of great smells and tastes. Her homemade pasta, pizza, bread, sauce and baking were always a part of Sunday dinners and will remain our favourites. She was an amazing host, and her home was a gathering place for family and friends. Maria took great joy in her gardens and had a knack for growing beautiful flowers along with an abundance of vegetables. In earlier years, she enjoyed fishing with her husband and always managed to outfish everyone present. She lovingly recalled the laughter chasing frogs in her camper with Jeff and Lauren and her younger grandchildren, Julia and Georgia, loved visiting Lac des Mille Lacs and have fond memories of Nonna. 

Maria had a strong faith in God and growing up, attended mass daily. Praying the rosary was an important part of her day and brought her peace. Her faith sustained her as she struggled with health issues over the last while. She had no doubt that she would soon be reunited with her husband Turi. 

Maria is survived by her children Linda Sinnemaki (Dennis), Anna Tocheri (Paul) and grandchildren Jeffrey and Lauren Sinnemaki (Eric Ala-Pantti), Julia and Georgia Tocheri, and great granddaughters Cassidy and Lydia. Sister Rosa Franzese, sisters Giuseppina and Michelina and brother Carmine in Italy. Nephew Jerry (Jonna) Franzese and niece Mary Garlick (Wayne) along with their families. Numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy also survive.

She was predeceased by her husband Salvatore Franzese, nephew Jimmy Franzese, brother in law Erasmo Franzese and parents Gennaro and Domenica Galeotafiore.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Maria Franzese will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021 with family and friends gathering in St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 1:30pm, celebrated by Father Marco Ladao. Private interment will follow in Mountainview Cemetery.

COVID-19 Protective measures are still being applied in group settings. Masks or face coverings and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet are both mandatory for those attending the services.

Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Maria to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Parkinson Canada would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.