Natalina Maria Grassia

December 26, 1937 – February 13, 2010

It is with profound sorrow in our hearts that we must announce the passing of Natalina Maria Grassia (Piccolo) on Saturday February 13, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, and nonna. To try to sum up this beautiful woman's life in a few words is but an impossible task. She was loved, so very deeply loved. To have lost her so quickly leaves us wounded but grateful for how she helped shape our lives. Born in Siderno Marina, Italy on December 26, 1937, she immigrated to Canada in 1957 to begin her life as wife and mother. It was her family that gave Natalina her greatest joy. Not only did her children seek her guidance and advice, but her grandchildren also sought her unconditional love and support when most needed. Her arms were always open to give comfort. Her kitchen was always open to provide nourishment. You never went to Nonna’s house without having a meal or a cup of coffee with conversation. You left with your heart and your belly full. The daily visits with sister Leah with calls of "come for coffee" were filled with laughter. They were more then sisters, they were best friends. As her time with us grew shorter, she continued to live her life with grace and dignity and was always thinking of others until the very end. We shared our joys and now we must share our greatest sorrow as we say goodbye to a woman that embodied peace, love and kindness within our family. Her love came with no conditions. Continuing to celebrate her life and legacy are her husband Ugo, having just celebrated their 49^th year of marriage; son Robert Grassia with wife Luisa raising Natalina's first grandchildren, Stefano and Nicholas; Sandra Agostino and husband Joe with sons Jordan and Joshua who brought so many smiles to their Nonna's face; daughter Donna Kopecky and husband Kevin would settle in Swan River, Manitoba but travelled home to Thunder Bay often so Natalina could spend time with grandchildren Sabrina and Noah. Her best friend and younger sister Leah Grassia and brother in law Ben and their children Clara Grassia and Roger Rawlins with daughter Aliya; Dave Grassia and Albina with children Elizabeth, Benjamin, Cassandra; Steve Grassia and Lenaya and their daughters Adrianna and Julia will continue to remember her bright smile and her beautiful laugh. Natalina was like a second mother and Nonna to Leah’s children and grandchildren. Also surviving are her older sisters, Olga Mancusa, Ada Futia and Albina Cesaratto; brothers Rino Piccolo and sister-in-law Lina and Cosimo Piccolo and sister in law Rosella. She also leaves to mourn numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Salvatore and Maria Piccolo. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, when family and friends will gather for funeral mass at 11:30a.m. inSt. Dominic's Church celebrated by Rev. Daniel Lapolla c.s. Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Vigil services will be offered on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in St. Dominic's Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Foundation, Cancer Care Clinic would be greatly appreciated.