Maria Maccan

Maria was born November 1928 in northern Italy, earned her teaching degree and married a handsome young man, Antonio/Tony (deceased August 2023). Together they shared 72 years of marriage.

Tony and Maria dreamed of a new life in Canada and made their home here, Dad in1954 followed a few years later by Maria and their two young daughters, Angela Tisiot (David) and Sonia Maccan Hart Vilkarsis (deceased 2022).

They started out in Renfrew where Maria, an accredited teacher in Italy, took in sewing piece work and part time jobs, even working in a bowling alley/diner to make ends meet for their growing family, adding Louisa Graves (John), Patrice Bard (Gary) and Daniel Maccan(Ruth).

Maria was a devoted wife and mother and a beloved Noni to six grandchildren: Lisa (Taka), Katie (Sam), Michael, Natalie (Tyler), Jennifer (Matt) and Angela (Ben), and Bisnona to seven great-grandchildren: Giana, Adriana, Arden, Audrey, Eleanor, Yujiro and Baby Gary (deceased 2021).

Mom is remembered for her fantastic cooking, her gnocchi, ten-layer lasagna and especially deboned turkey with chef’s kiss stuffing. She single handedly cooked up multi course meals for all special events. Everywhere she visited, family in BC, in Florida, in California, in Italy, she cooked her specialties and shared her recipes.

Eventually Maria was able to return to her first career love: teaching Italian at the Dante Alighieri, teaching ESL at the Catholic School Board and private tutoring.

Mom and Dad loved to travel. They made friends all over the world during their travels in their retirement years, making every moment count. They often swapped visits with our beloved cousins in the US and even their neighbours were an important part of their life, as was their Church. Deacon René visited weekly for years.

A special thank you goes to all the wonderful caregivers and staff at Arbour Creek Care Centre. They became like family and in the last days they made a tough time easier to bear.

Also a heartfelt appreciation to her darling fellow residents and their family members who looked out for her and gave us updates on what mom ate and how she was feeling.

A private family visitation was held on Dec. 17 followed by cremation. There will be a celebration of life in the summer and entombment at Our Lady of the Angels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church or to your local animal shelter in remembrance of mom & dad’s beloved puppy Nina.

Memories of Maria, our mom, will be cherished, her presence deeply missed by all who knew her, especially this Christmas. We find solace in the thought that she is with her husband Tony, her daughter Sonia, son-in-law Gary and baby Gary. We love you Mom.