It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Teresa Cianfagna on April 19, 2024. Our mother peacefully left this world at the age of 98, surrounded by her family at Hogarth Riverview Manor.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.
Born in the quaint town of Castelmauro, Italy, Teresa was the eldest child of Antonio Colaneri and Marietta Trolio. She married the love of her life, Giuseppe (Joe) Cianfagna, days before he was called to serve in World War ll. Teresa faced many difficult challenges in her life with resilience and determination, working tirelessly on the farm while waiting for her husband's safe return.
After the war, our father wanted a better life for his family. Through sponsorship by the Riccardi family, he settled in Fort William, Ontario. Many months later, with the promise of new beginnings, our mother courageously joined our father by making the journey, on her own, across the Atlantic with their three young children. Despite not speaking any English, she adapted to life in Canada and created a loving home for her family, always prioritizing their needs above her own.
In addition to building a new life for their own family, our parents both became a source of support and generosity for others, sponsoring multiple families from Italy to start their own new lives in Canada. They were also blessed with the addition of another son, further strengthening the bond within their family.
Our mother demonstrated a strong work ethic, eventually starting a career as a chambermaid at the Airline Hotel. During their golden years, our parents would escape the cold winters and celebrate life by traveling to Lake Chapala, Mexico with many of their dear friends. Sundays were celebrated by our mother’s famous pasta lunches and countless holiday dinners which became cherished traditions, fostering love and especially the importance of family.
The memory of our mother will forever be etched in our hearts. Her strength, love for her family, and passion for cooking and gardening were unmatched.
She leaves behind a devoted family, including her daughter Mary Macken (Richard), son Dominic (Margaret), daughter Lillian Catton (Barry), and son Robert (Deanne). Teresa is survived by her sister Antonietta Sticca. Her legacy of love is carried on by her grandchildren: Julie (Brett), Christopher, Lisa, Jared (Cathy), Adam (Jen), Lindsey (Sean), Kelly (Lenny), Kimberly (Freddy), Keith, Marco (Tasha), Katrina (Tyler) and Anthony as well as with her 18 great-grandchildren.
In her eternal rest, our mother has been reunited with our beloved father, Giuseppe, her parents, her siblings Giovanni, Stefano, Filomena and along with numerous other family members.
The family wishes to express our profound gratitude to the compassionate staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor for their dedicated care during mom’s final years. We are particularly thankful to the staff on 4 South, who affectionately referred to her as Nonna.
Mom, your life was a shining example of selflessness, love, and unwavering dedication to your family. We will forever cherish the memories we shared with you, and your spirit will continue to inspire us all. You always used to say “I love you with all my heart” and now we want to say goodbye mom, we will always love you with all our hearts.
Funeral Services for the late Teresa Cianfagna will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 with family and friends gathering in St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 10:00am, celebrated by Father James Panikulam. Interment will follow the reception in St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00am, one hour prior to service time.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Teresa to the Alzheimer Society or Hogarth Riverview Manor would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
