Stefania Battistella

Stefania Battistella was born Nov 6, 1924 to Janes Penko & Franciska (Franca) Zele in Parje, Slovenia, 2nd youngest of 11 children. She was the last surviving sibling, passing in her 101st year on May 24, 2025. 

She emigrated to Canada in Feb 1949 with her sister Vida at Pier 21, Halifax. They spent the 1st year in Copper Cliff Ontario working for Falconbridge Mines in the mining camp cafeteria. Once their contract was up, they went to Toronto. Here she met the love of her life, Ernesto Battistella. They were together until 1997 when he passed at the age of 73. 

Stefania was an expert seamstress, sewing interiors for luxury vehicles professionally & dresses, drapes & helping family with alterations. She lived independently until she was 97. Most recently she resided at Wesburn Manor in Etobicoke where they took very good care of her. She loved being with family & will be missed world-wide by family in Slovenia, Argentina & Canada.

She will be greatly missed by her many nieces & nephews: John Taylor (Elaine), Stan Taylor (Kim), Mary Todd (Kirk), Elviano Tesolin (Carol), Frank Penko (Renee), Kathy Penko, Vilma Ricci (Alfredo), Toni Zele (Erena), Matej Penko (Ana), Bernarda Penko (Milan), Francel Zele, & their children, her many grand nieces & nephews, as well as many great nieces & nephews. Pre-deceased by Savo Penko (Alicia) and Marion Zele. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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