Maria Gnagnarelli
July 20, 1934 – December 2, 2023
It is with broken hearts that the family of Maria Gnagnarelli (née Civitarese) announce her passing on Saturday, December 2 at the age of 89. Maria married Camillo Gnagnarelli on April 19, 1954 in Villa Rogatti, Province of Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy they came to Canada where they welcomed daughter Eusebia (Seb) then another daughter Marisa 10 years later.
They were then blessed with three grandchildren, Tyler, Sean and Sydni. As most Italian women, Maria took pride in her garden and cooking. She also took great pride in always looking her best. Not too often you would see her without lipstick on. Mom wasted no time telling people how she was a bit of a “rebel” as a young woman and wore makeup even though it was taboo in her village. Maria had a beautiful singing voice which was heard by many as she was a proud member of the choir at St. Dominic‘s Church. She would also just “burst into song“ at a family dinner, where her brother Felice was quick to jump in and join her.
Maria was a self-taught seamstress and was always happy to help anybody who needed a dress for a flower girl or just a pair of pants hemmed or taken in. She also enjoyed knitting and would knit slippers and hats for anybody who would wear them. There likely isn’t a person she knows and loves that does not own either a hat, headband or a pair of slippers that she gave with all of her heart. Giving always made her happy, whether it be a slipper, hat or just something she baked or grew in her garden.
She lived on Leland Avenue from 1963 until the day, just over two years ago, when she could no longer live on her own, and was very proud of being a part of the Leland Legends. Her neighbours the Fedyks, Ricciardis and Hupalos shared a bond like no other. They became friends but more importantly they became family.
After a very sudden fall in her home mom had no choice but to leave her house, a home she loved so much, and call Hogarth Riverview Manor her new residence. Although this move was a difficult one she accepted it and did the best that she could to make this easy on her family. Not a day went by that one or both of her daughters did not visit her. She did her best not to complain, however, as her health quickly deteriorated, complaining sadly was something she couldn’t avoid. We, her family, tried our best to point out all the things she should be thankful for, however her response to us was always, “When you can’t breathe it’s not easy to be happy.” Oxygen became her lifeline, and after a very recent fall, even oxygen could no longer help her.
Sadly she took her last breath at 10:45 on Saturday, December 2, 2023 with her family by her side, and with both her daughters holding her hands. Breathe peacefully Mom. We love you.
Maria is survived by daughters Seb (Eusebia) Hrabok (Ken) and Marisa Scocchia (Jeff); grandchildren Tyler and Sean Hrabok (Marlis) and Sydni Scocchia (Devin). She will also be missed by her brother Felice Civitarese and his wife Darlene; nephews Rick (Leigh) and their children Keara (Marty) and Jaxon; and Cory (Brandy). Also survived by her brother Domenico (Yolanda), sister-in-law Emma, and numerous nephews and nieces. Predeceased by husband Camillo, brothers Tommasso and Clemente, sister Concetta, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mario and Rina Mazzoccone.
Thanks to the staff on 7 South at Hogarth Riverview Manor for the care you provided to mom. Your compassion, care and patience with our mother is deeply appreciated. Thank you to Dr. Echum and the care team.
A very special thank you also to Dr. Jon Johnsen for his genuine compassion and love for our mother. She truly thought the world of you.
Funeral Services for Maria will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 with family and friends gathering in St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 11:00am, celebrated by Father Michael Mahoney. Entombment will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 6:30 until 8:30pm.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
