Maria Arabia

Born on March 4,1939 in Santo Stefano di Camastra, Sicily, Maria immigrated to Canada in 1968, where she married Antonio and devoted her life to raising her family as a homemaker. She lived life on her own terms. She was strong-willed, spirited, and never afraid to speak her mind. She loved deeply, enjoyed feeding others and making them laugh. Her greatest pride and joy were her 2 daughters.

The last three years of her life brought her immense happiness. At Amica Whitby, she found a wonderful community, formed treasured friendships, and created countless joyful memories. She often said she had lived a full life and was at peace with what lay ahead.

Maria is lovingly remembered by her husband, Antonio; her daughters, Mary (Gregory) and Angela Tzirivilas (Constantino); her chosen grandchildren, Abigail and Craig; and her adored grand-fur-babies, Phoebe and Pepperoni. She was a loving sister to Giuseppina (Gennaro) Cacace, Giuseppe (Rosetta) Sottosanti, Salvatore (Rose) Sottosanti, Antonino Sottosanti, Vincenzo Sottosanti, and Carlo (Cindy) Sottosanti. She will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews. Maria was predeceased by her parents, Giovanni and Arcangela Sottosanti, siblings Antonina Elmo, Rosa Sottosanti, Sebastiana Liuzzi, Rosalia Sottosanti and Pietro Sottosanti, brothers-in-laws, Salvatore Liuzzi and Giuseppe Elmo, and her precious grand-fur-babies Milano & Chachi.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff at Amica Whitby (Emma, Marie, Ted, Teale, Chioma, Tina, Isabelle, Rebecca, Junior, Manjinder, Maria and so many others), her occupational therapist Tammy, her long time PSW & friend Denise and the 5G nurses at Oshawa Lakeridge. The care, compassion, friendship, and love they showed Mom was beyond exceptional.

While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing Mom was ready and looked forward to being reunited with those she loved who had gone before her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph. A Visitation will be held on Friday July 17 from 4:00-8:00PM, and again on Saturday July 18 from 9:00-10:30AM. A Funeral Service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel at 10:30AM. A livestream link is available for those unable to attend in person (https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/126069). Entombment at Marymount Cemetery, 5400 Highway 6 N, Guelph. Reception to follow in the funeral home fellowship lounge.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Diabetes Canada or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.