Maria Cotroneo
(nee Bova)
March 3, 1927 – January 14, 2018

On the morning of January 14, 2018 at the age of 90, our precious mother and grandmother was called to her eternal rest.

Maria leaves to mourn her daughter Grace Francesca, son Vincenzo (Marna), grandchildren Maria-Teresa, Anthony (Emi), David, Robert (Amy) and Kevin, numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends in Canada, Italy and the US. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 62 years, Antonino, her parents Giuseppe and Anna Bova, brothers Francesco, Giorgio, Vincenzo, Salvatore and Giuseppe, sisters Ippolita D’Agostino, Fortunata Porpiglia and Giuseppina Bueti as well as numerous in-laws for which she had much affection.

Maria was born in the town of San Roberto, Reggio Calabria, Italy. One of the youngest of her siblings, she was afforded the rare opportunity of a grade 12 education, so uncommon during those years. After completing her schooling in the “big city” of Reggio, she returned to San Roberto and began the work she was so proud of as a teacher to the children of her home town. In 1947 in what has become our family’s Romeo and Juliet story, she married her life’s true love and together they built a life with their two children.

Always forging ahead with strength and courage, in 1962, Maria and Antonino packed up their young family, leaving their Italy behind to join her beloved sister Giuseppina Bueti who had already settled in Winnipeg. Maria began the next chapter, working tirelessly in the garment industry as a sewing machine operator for over 25 years and building a beautiful life here in her new home. Above all, her family was fiercely important to her and she expressed this with a lifetime of Sunday lunches, baking home-made bread for everyone or the gift of fresh veggies from the garden that she and Antonino tended to with so much love. Maria’s relentless spirit touched everyone she met through her life and will live on and be celebrated in the hearts, memories and actions of us all.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Cotroneo, David Cotroneo, Robert Cotroneo, Kevin Cotroneo, Alex Sotiriadis, David Bueti and Daniele Dell’Acqua.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Golden Links Lodge for their kindness and support and a special thank you to nurses Cathy, Noreen and Sherry who always went beyond the call of duty to ensure her comfort. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to Golden Links Lodge, 2280 St. Mary’s Rd.

The family will receive condolences at 10:00 am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 11:00 am from Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave., Rev. Father Gerry Ward presiding.

Entombment in Holy Angel Mausoleum, Green Acres Cemetery # 1Hwy E. at Navin Rd.

For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca