MARIA DE STEFANO

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARIA DE STEFANO (nee SPARANESE) Peacefully, with her family by her side, Maria passed away September 15, 2016, at the age of 96 at the Victoria General Hospital. Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband Aniello; two daughters, Pasqualina and Anna Maria and many other dear family members and close friends. Left to cherish Maria's memory are her daughters, Lina (Carmine La Rosa), Filomena (Luciano Costa) and her grandchildren, Nadia La Rosa (Vince Adamo), Bruno Costa (Dana Bond) and Marisa Costa (Fabrizio Rossi). Maria was born in Cicciano, Naples, Italy on August 4, 1920 and immigrated to Winnipeg in 1958. Upon her arrival she was employed at Crown Cap until she took early retirement to help take care of her grandchildren while her daughters worked. Maria was a strong, independent, passionate woman full of fire and spirit. She loved life and it was the simple things that made her smile: Music, singing, dancing, playing Scopa, travelling and eating M&Ms. Above all, she lived for her family. Despite enduring all the hardships inherent in surviving the depression, war, immigration, and loss, she always managed to find the true beauty in life. She had so much gratitude and took great pride in telling stories of cherished memories formed over a lifetime with those near and dear to her heart. Maria lived a full life and said many times over the last while that she was thankful for the long life she had, but now it was time to go. And on a beautiful mid September morning, she did just that - setting out on her next journey to reunite with the loved ones she missed so dearly. We know they anxiously greeted her with loving arms before sitting down to a good old game of Scopa. The family would like to thank the Victoria Hospital for their exceptional care. A special thank you to the dedicated staff on the fourth floor for all the compassion they showed to Maria and her family the last couple of months of her life. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave. on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with condolences beginning at 10:00 a.m. Private entombment to follow at Green Acres. Pallbearers will be Nadia La Rosa, Bruno Costa, Marisa Costa, Vince Adamo, Dana Bond, Fabrizio Rossi, and Erika Giannini. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Maria's memory to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation, phone 204-477-3513. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 17, 2016