Marcia Ann Marcaccio

She was accompanied throughout her journey by Donna, Joselin and Cobey. Marcia was the beloved daughter of the late Harry and Elda Marcaccio, sister of Donna, Michael (Sandy), Paul, David (Shannon) and Patty (Bruce). She is survived by her very special friend and niece Joselin, and other nieces, nephews and many cousins. Marcia had an abundance of friends and colleagues. She had a special love for Joselin’s dog Cobey. Marcia defied all “expectations”. Medical professionals thought she would live until 5 years of age, but, she lived until almost 61. Educators said she could not learn to read or write – Marcia said she would prove them wrong, and she did. They also encouraged her to spend her adult work life at the sheltered workshop, but, Marcia had her own vision of how she wanted to live her life. She was clear that she wanted to work with children and this goal led her to the beginning of a long, impressive career. Marcia was an Educational Assistant with the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board for 33 years, spending the last 25 of those years as an integral member of the staff team at St. Thomas More Secondary School. She believed that all people should be treated equally and was a powerful voice for many who experienced devaluation and its consequences. Marcia was the founder of People First of Hamilton and President for 10 years, author of a chapter in a Canadian publication on Inclusive Education, a public speaker, workshop presenter locally, provincially, and beyond. She had many affiliations and involvement with organizations provincially and in her community. Most recently, she was a member of Family Engagement Steering Committee, L’Arche Hamilton, Luso Community Services and Rygiel Community Participation Programs. Marcia had served in many volunteer roles throughout her life, but, her favourite was assisting her dad in his volunteer role leading a charity bingo for more than a decade. After her father’s passing, Marcia was determined to carry on her father’s good work and continued as a dedicated volunteer at the Rygiel bingos for another 11 years.

Marcia had many interests and hobbies. She loved to go to her literacy classes, she enjoyed scrapbooking with her sister, niece and friends, soaking in a hot tub, she could not get enough time watching the Y&R and then providing the replay for friends who missed a day or more of the show. Travelling was another favourite whether it be a trip to Italy, Florida, an overnight shopping trip with family or friends, she was always ready to pack her bag. Marcia enjoyed sports which included going to Ti-Cat games with her dad, attending soccer games played by her niece and nephews and her absolute favourite was being a loyal fan at Joselin’s basketball games. She also loved the special trips to NBA basketball games with Joselin and Donna. Marcia was well known for her enthusiasm and passion for bowling and no one except Cobey could touch her red bowling ball with her name imprinted, a treasured gift from her church family on her 50th birthday. Marcia’s Catholic faith was central to her life. Marcia had a great devotion and trust in the Lord, was a faithful member of her church community and held many important roles including Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and events volunteer. A woman with so many interests, nothing gave her more pleasure than being with family and friends. Her loving, gentle and trusting character led Marcia to develop an immense network of friends. Marcia loved parties, being at conferences, Sunday brunch with church friends, hanging out in the staff room with colleagues and her very favourite was family gatherings and traditions. We cannot summarize all that she loved, all that she did and all the tremendous impact she had throughout her life. We can only say that she was a treasured gift and teacher to us all. Special thanks to Father Saju, Dr. Kerr, Susanna, Clarissa and Sandra - nurses from Bayshore, Viola and Fatemah and our close friends who accompanied Marcia on latter phase of her journey.

In accordance with the regulations of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario due to COVID-19, all events are restricted to a specified number of attendees. All guest must RSVP for the Visitation and Funeral Mass in advance by calling the funeral home at 905-387-2111. Public Visitation will be held at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue E. on Thursday, March 18th from 6-9pm with Vigil Prayers to be said at 8:30pm and on Friday, March 19th from 12-4pm and 6-9pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Garnier Church, 129 Hughson St. South on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 10am with intermet to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Funeral Service will also be livestreamed for all those who wish to attend virtually ; https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/26310

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Good Shepherd Youth Services or to the Marcia Marcaccio Trust Fund c/o Rygiel Supports For Community Living which will be used to assist families in accessing respite support.