Carmela Santangelo

Born on October 23rd, 1913 in Vinchiaturo, Campobasso Italy, passed away on Christmas Day 2011, at the age of 98 surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her husband Beradino, son Donato, daughter-in-law Addolarata, son in-law Nicola Iammatteo, and great grandson – Jean-Marc. Leaves behind her daughter Filomena Iammatteo, grandchildren, Enzo, (Carm), Ben, (Janet), Ben (Lorrie) and Carm, (John) and great grandchildren; Eric (Amy),Natalie, Alex, Andrew, Lisa, and Serena. She was the youngest of eight siblings.

Her husband immigrated to Canada in 1951 where he worked to save up enough money to send for his family. She immigrated to Toronto in 1953 with her two children to join her husband, where she worked until 1960 when her husband was killed in a construction accident. In the 1970’s she helped care for her daughter-in-law who eventually lost her battle to cancer. She then went onto help raise her two youngest grandchildren.

She was the model mother and grandmother that you couldn’t help but love and appreciate. Her smile was her trademark. Always generous with her affection and her eyes always lit up whenever one of her grandchildren or great grandchildren came to visit.

She entertained us with stories about her life in Italy and early years in Canada. Although her body was aging, her wit and mind were sharp till the end. She was cared for by her daughter Filomena in her later years.

She helped raise three generations and will be dearly missed by family and friends. Thank you Nonna!

Family and friends will be received at Ward Funeral Home, 4671 Hwy 7 Woodbridge (West of Pine Valley Dr.) starting Tuesday, December 27th, 7pm till 9pm and on Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 29th, 2011 at St. Roch’s Catholic Church, 2889 Islington Avenue at 10am. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, Ontario. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.