Maria Ione De Angelis

Ione, “Nonna,” like her beloved late husband Marino, did not win the birth lottery.

She was raised at a time and in a place where extraordinary suffering and hardship was routine. She was born in the Marche region of central Italy in 1935; she and her family lived through the war years, when precarious conditions and having to hide your older sisters in the barn to protect them from Nazi soldiers was commonplace.

She immigrated to Canada in 1955, three years after Marino did; they had met in the Marche and married here. It was a time of great opportunity in this country, but not of free gifts, and they made the most of that opportunity. They built a home, a good life, and a good future for their children Walter and Barbara. One can see the fruits of their efforts in the success of their children and grandchildren, who became outstanding people in their own right, inspired by Ione and Marino’s work ethic and devotion to family.

Because of the circumstances in Italy, Ione was not allowed to attend high-school there, but she did so in Canada as an adult; she learned the language and then volunteered to help newer immigrants develop conversational skills; she also wrote a book, edited by Walter, telling the story of her life.

Ione was an accomplished seamstress, and a great homemaker in the fullest sense of the word: a home maker. Creative and inspired, Ione’s melt-in-your-mouth, ever-so-light, completely home-made lasagna was the best this side of the Apennines; her cookies would put to shame many a famous baker. Any meal she prepared was magical. Few pleasures could compare to visiting her and Marino’s home on a Sunday for a wonderful lunch, a great chat, and a nice walk.

Ione was outgoing and social; she loved being around people. She was plain spoken, at times blunt, never given to euphemisms. She had a penetrating sense of humour and was an outstanding mimic. Spending time with Ione was refreshing. With her endearing temper one always knew where one stood, there was no need to guess.

Ione and Marino embraced social ballroom dancing with gusto, travelling to venues around the Niagara peninsula to enjoy it, making many like-minded friends. Watching them dance, elegant and graceful, was a delight – and an example to much younger people.

One must admire the trajectory of Ione and Marino’s life; their having achieved so much starting with so little, so far away, with the weight of tragedy on their shoulders – which they had the strength and courage to overcome.

Through hard work, steadfastness, and very wise management, they earned their success and a retirement to which not many can aspire.

Ione was predeceased by her parents Augusto and Barbara Artegiani, and her sisters Ida, Delia, and Nardina; she leaves behind her foster sister Nadia; son Walter and daughter Barbara and their spouses Christina and Fabio; grandchildren Greg and Stephanie and their spouses Rachel and Paul; great-grandchildren Hannah, Hugo and Logan; and many family members and friends. The void in their lives left by Ione’s passing will never be filled; they will never forget her.

We can only hope to be as strong and as successful, as admired and as loved, one day, as Ione.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to the people of The Village of Arbour Trails, for the loving care and support they gave their Nonna.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 15 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home 1099 Gordon St. Guelph. A funeral service will take place in the chapel at 3:00 pm, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Lounge. A committal will be taking place on Monday, March 16 at 1:00 PM at Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery, 712 Lakeshore Rd E, Port Colborne.

Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario will be appreciated.