MARIA IMMACOLATA GAROFALO

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MARIA IMMACOLATA GAROFALO February 2, 1924 - December 29, 2016 Maria Immacolata Garofalo passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 29, 2016 at the age of 92. She was predeceased by her husband Stefano, brothers Antonio, Pasquale and Michele Gallo, nephew Paul Garofalo, brother-in-law Michelino Garofalo and sister-in-law Donatina Garofalo. She leaves to mourn her son Antonio (Julia) Garofalo, granddaughter Ivana (Charles) Trinka, great grandchildren Gina and Eva, grandson Stefano (Lana) Garofalo, great-grandchildren Serena, Cameron and Owen, her daughter Giuseppina (Giuseppe) Zimarino and grandson Filippo (Vanessa) and granddaughter Stefania. She will forever be missed by her sister Angelina Palumbo and her family Michael (Sheri), Mario and Dion, her brother Giuseppe Gallo and family in Argentina, her brother-in-law Matteo Garofalo and family in Venezuela, nephews Antonio (Lora) Garofalo and family and Angelo (Roslyn) Garofalo and family, and numerous nieces and nephews in Italy, Argentina, and Venezuela. Maria was born in San Bartolomeo in Galdo (BN), Italy on February 2, 1924. She married Stefano in 1947. In 1953 her husband left for Venezuela to provide for the family, leaving Maria to raise her children on her own. In 1959 the family came to Canada in hopes of a better life. Maria worked at Perfecfit Glove factory until she retired. Her family was always kept warm with beautiful gloves and sheepskin mitts. Before the bread mixer, Nonna kneaded over 20 pounds of flour by hand to make pizza and bread. She taught us how to make traditional Italian treats like "ngasciatells" and "taralli," including homemade salsiccia. Nonna was our "in-house" babysitter. She would often be seen walking down the street holding the hands of her four grandchildren - two on each side. Although Maria was small in stature, she was large in heart. Her selfless nature and caring ways always found Maria opening her heart to everyone she met. Everyone knew her as "Nonna." Although Maria never had the opportunity for formal schooling, she was wiser than most of us. She had a very sharp mind; she remembered everything. There was never a birthday, anniversary or occasion forgotten. Regardless of her thick accent, she always made herself understood. We will always remember her stories of when she was young, which would always provide a lesson and guarantee a laugh. Maria had unconditional love for everyone, and a special place in her heart for her cat Mingo. Her spirit which embraces kindness, grace and love will never leave our hearts. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Avenue. Viewing will commence at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Maria's memory may be made to a charity of your choice. 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 Dec 31, 2016