PALMA CERASANI

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PALMA CERASANI December 6, 1922 August 14, 2013 On August 14, 2013, The Queen of our tiny monarchy passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Palma leaves behind her son Domenico, daughter-in-law Helen Cerasani, and daughter Vincenza Bertone. Her four grandchildren Dina (Ed) Gesualdo, Antonella Bertone, Tony (Annie) Cerasani, and Walter Bertone. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Jesse and Gabriela Gesualdo, and twins Maya and Remo Cerasani. In 1988 her husband Riziero passed away suddenly, while they vacationed in Italy, and was laid to rest in their hometown. In 2010 she lost son-in-law Ermanio Bertone, who she grieved deeply for as her own son. Palma was born in San Benedetto dei Marsi, Aquila, Italy on December 6, 1922 , the second eldest of five children, to Guido Cerasani and Assunta Ramunno. If her life was to be summed up, the theme would undoubtedly be hard work and family. From a young age, she was forced to quit grade school to work in her family's fields. She was never afraid of physical labour, or to get her hands dirty. She work as hard as her male counterparts, at the amazement of her female friends and family. She was strong and fearless. She was women's lib before the term existed. Under immense scrutiny, and against all odds she married husband Riziero in 1941 . She gave birth to son Domenico in 1946, and daughter Vincenza in 1949. Exactly 10 years after the birth of Vincenza, the family landed at the port in Montreal, after voyaging on the ship Irpinia. They settled in Winnipeg in Fort Rouge. Initially they rented on Brandon Avenue, then purchased their first home in the core of little Italy, on Jessie Avenue. There, the community of Italian immigrants offered support to one another, and became like family. Palma was always the workhorse of the family, and was determined to provide for her family, and for them to prosper. With these goals, she frequently put her own needs aside. She rode the bus daily to the downtown sewing factories where she was employed. After she punched the clock, she then worked tirelessly at home. She was the traditional Italian homemaker. Everything was made from scratch to ensure the pennies she earned, stretched as far as they could. Gnocchi and Ravioli made by hand, and pounds of fresh tagliolini and fettucine dried on broomsticks across kitchen chairs. Her children married and grandchildren arrived. Every Sunday at 1:00 the entire family was seated around Nonna's table.This continued until she was in her late 80s, when we had to insist it was too much for her. Even then, she fought hard for this tradition to continue. She and Riziero returned to San Benedetto with their children and grandchildren on several occasions. These trips provided beautiful memories to cherish, and a deep understanding of from what the family came from. She lived independently in her own home until just weeks after her 90th birthday celebration, when she took ill. She passed peacefully under The care of the incredible team of angels on Cornish 2, Misericordia Health Centre. In Palma's words "Sono tutti bravi!" (They are all so good!). You will never fully understand the gratitude our family has for you all. We would also like to thank E4 at St. Boniface Hospital, for the months spent trying to get her back on her feet. Special thanks to Vinnie, Huggie, and Arlene. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave., with viewing one hour prior to the Mass, Father Sam Argenziano Celebrant. Entombment will follow at the Holy Angel Mausoleum, Hwy #1 at Navin Road. One day while lying weak in her hospital, a smile suddenly lit up her face. When we asked her what she was thinking of, she said still smiling, "I fiori. Siete tutti i miei fiori." "Per me......la Famiglia Precise." (The flowers. You are all my flowers. For me......the perfect family.) Mamma, Nonna, if we were, we owe it all to you. For online condolences, or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 1006 Nairn Ave. 204-275-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 17, 2013