Maria Zamparo

Maria Zamparo (nee Deotto)

November 23, 1936 – December 7, 2023

Maria was born into a humble but proud agricultural family in Friuli, Italy, embodying the virtues of hard work, sacrifice, and above all, a profound devotion to family. Raised in an extended family of that era alongside siblings Rino, Silvana and Mirella Deotto during a time when these values were paramount, Maria learned early on to distinguish between necessity and desire.

At the age of 17, she took a courageous leap into the unknown, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax to join her new husband Remigio and his siblings Angelina (Guido Gregoris), Giuseppe Zamparo (Gioconda) and aunts and uncles Giuseppina (Erminio Mior) and Emilio Zamparo (Maria) in the challenging landscape of 1950s Canada. The struggle to establish a new life in a new land was constant yet, despite the difficulties, these years were not defined by the sorrow of being so far from their native land, but rather by the echoes of song and laughter during the many family gatherings that provided their solace. Their resilience, fueled by youthful vitality and an unwavering work ethic, became the foundation upon which they built their new lives.

During her 70 years of marriage, marked by the birth of her four sons Silvano (Annamaria), Frank (Leanne), Edy and Alex, the arrival of grandchildren (Nicoletta, Julian, Delana, David) and great-grandchild Giulia, Maria approached life much like tending to her cherished garden - pruning away the unnecessary, leaving behind a life rich in meaning, love, and the indelible mark of a woman who, against the odds, crafted a truly grounded existence.

Her life was a testament to the enduring beauty of an unpretentious life well lived. Her legacy, imprinted on the hearts of those she touched, speaks of resilience, family, and the timeless joy found in song, laughter, and the shared warmth of loved ones.

Today, as we remember Maria, let us celebrate not only the 87 years she lived but the enduring spirit with which she lived them. May her memory be a source of inspiration, reminding us that a life centered on love and family is a life truly well lived.

Family and friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home 4671 Hwy 7, Woodbridge (just west of Pine Valley Dr.) on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Monday December 11, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church 8500 Islington Ave., Woodbridge (just south of Langstaff Rd.). A private family entombment to follow. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society-Lung Cancer Research would be appreciated.

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