Filomena Rugo

Filomena Rugo passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2025, at the age of 89. Devoted wife of Enrico for 70 years, she was the proud mother of Maria (late Giuseppe), Tomasso, and the late Nicola. She was the cherished nonna of Antonella and Filomena (Steve), and the loving bisnonna of little Soleil.

Born to parents Nicola and Rosalia in Castellaneta, Italy, Filomena met the love of her life, Enrico, in her hometown. Together, they built a lifetime of memories rooted in family, tradition, and unconditional love. In the 1960s, they immigrated to Winnipeg before eventually settling in Toronto, where they planted deep roots and called it home.

Filomena was the pillar of her family. She was the quiet powerhouse of her home, showing strength and resilience even after enduring countless surgeries and health challenges from a very young age. Her true domain was her kitchen. Food was her love language, and she expressed her devotion to family and friends through every meal she prepared. She spoiled her granddaughters with biscotti, orecchiette, calzone, cartellate, and seasonal favourites like pickled eggplant and artichokes. Her most treasured creation was her beloved "torta a tre piani".

Her granddaughters were her pride and joy—made even greater with the arrival of her little great-granddaughter. Filomena retired at a young age so she could devote herself to caregiving, watching her grandchildren grow, and surrounding them with the love, warmth, and traditions that defined her.

Filomena will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for her strength, her generosity, and the unconditional love she poured into her family.

Family and friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home (4671 Highway 7, Woodbridge) on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary Parish (8500 Islington Avenue, Woodbridge) on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Entombment to follow at Glendale Memorial Gardens.