Peacefully, on Saturday morning, Joan Monica Rigato (Covello), age 92 passed away surrounded by her loving family. Joan’s family was the most important thing in the world to her. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Joan’s grandchildren, Michelle, Anthony, Christian and Matthew were truly special to her, and she was to them. Grandma Joan was proud to attend their school, musical and sporting activities. She and Papa would gladly have them sleep over anytime and spoil them with all their favorite foods. She looked forward to their daily phone calls and was very interested in their careers, activities, travels and friends. Joan was also very close to all of her many nieces and nephews and their families. They all showed her a great deal of respect, and she truly appreciated their many phone calls, visits and love.
Throughout Joan’s life she willingly took on the role of caregiver to her father, in-laws, husband, children and grandchildren. She was always ready to put her needs aside to help in any way without being asked. She was a person of deep and unwavering faith. She said her rosary and watched mass on television daily and she truly believed in the power of prayer. One of her most memorable trips was to Portugal to visit the Fatima Shrine. She enjoyed travelling throughout her life to many cities in Canada and the US. Another memorable trip was for her 85th birthday when Cindy, Celia and Michelle took her to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion in concert. She spoke excitedly about this trip often.
Joan was an amazing cook and enjoyed filling her freezer (and her children’s) with ravioli, gnocchi, cutlets, lasagna, sauce and anything else she could think of so she would be able to have a “quick” meal on the table on short notice. The Covello camp at Mackenzie Beach was a family gathering place for many years. The men would sit and relax while Joan and her sisters, Mary and Theresa, would cook delicious meals for the family and any other friends their father would invite.
Prior to having her children, Joan worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Ontario Hydro. Once her children were in school, she started working at Gron Morgan Memorial High School. She was thrilled that the family home was right across the street so she could be home at lunch and after school, and could see her children playing outside in the summertime right from her work desk! She always took great pride in her work and was a dedicated and loyal employee, and friend to her colleagues.
Joan always loved to have a good time and share a good laugh. There are many stories from the earlier days of the fun her and Eddie would have with their siblings and friends. She maintained her good nature and sense of humor right up to the end. She was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan, and her post-game analysis was always entertaining, as were her suggestions for the players and coaching staff! She watched or followed every game right up until her passing.
Joan is survived by her children Cindy Mustapic (Tom, deceased), Michael (Celia), grandchildren Michelle and Anthony (Rachel Bidulka) Rigato and Christian and Matthew (McKenna Cades) Mustapic, brother Bill Covello (Lorna) and brothers-in-law Bob Zanni and Mike Chochla, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Eddie, son-in-law Tom Mustapic, parents Pierina and John Covello, in-laws Marie and Art Rigato, siblings Rosalie (Joe) Maronese, Frank (Emily) Covello, Theresa Chochla, Rita (John) Gravina, Mary Zanni, and sister-in-law Rita (Joe) Zanutto.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church with Rev. Luigi Filippini officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. For those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so at the St. Anthony’s R.C. Church YouTube page. In lieu of flowers and if friends so desire, donations to TBRHSC Our Hearts at Home Fund or ALS Canada would be greatly appreciated.
For her 90th birthday, the family had Joan share her life memories and stories in a legacy video. Her advice to everyone from that video was, “work hard and don’t be afraid to say, ‘I love you,’ to people. It’s a sign of affection and friendship. Just tell each other that you love each other.” She was loved by all for her genuine caring ways, her strong faith and willingness to pray for anyone needing extra strength, her beautiful smile and her sense of humour. Even during her last days, she could always find something to smile about. We will miss her terribly, but her spirit will live on through the many special memories we share.
“The more we are together the happier we’ll be!” ♫
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
