Rosaria Trunzo

It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother on June 13, 2024, at the Simkin Center Personal Care Home, at the age of 86. She was predeceased by her husband Mario on June 9, 2013. Rosaria will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Beniamino (Shelli), Gianfranco (Jo-ann); grandchildren, Michael (Chelsea), Amanda, Nicole (Kris), Jessica, and Samantha (Matt); great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Brady; her brothers Salvatore Sicoli (late Ada), Ortenzio Sicoli (Carla), sister Silvana Anderson (Alan), as well as her brothers-in-law, Giuseppe Colosimo, Scipione Falsetto and Serafino Iacoboni (Dora). Rosaria will be dearly missed by all her nieces, nephews, and cousins in Winnipeg, Sault Ste. Marie, Italy, the United States, and those who are in many corners of the world.

Rosaria came from a large family including her late parents, Luigi and Antonia Sicoli; her late brothers and sisters, Giovanni Sicoli (late Maria), Peppe Sicoli (Ines), Francesco Sicoli, Antonio Sicoli (late Teresa), Teresa Falsetto (Scipione), Giaconda Iacoboni and Carmela Taranto (late Mario) and her sister-in-law Ada Sicoli (Salvatore).

Mom was born on August 18, 1937, in Aiello Calabro, Cosenza, Italy, and married dad in 1955. On April 7, 1958, along with their two young sons, they left port from Napoli, Italy, and made the long journey to Canada arriving on April 14, at the now infamous Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Then by train, they traveled to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (Soo) where family and friends awaited them. While their early days in Canada were not that easy, they worked hard and found a way to make a better life happen. They slowly adjusted to their new home, while working, raising their sons and adapting to a cold and wet climate they hadn’t experienced in Italy. Over the next few years, her mother, father, and four other siblings joined the family in the Soo and brought so much happiness to Mom. In 1962, the family moved to Winnipeg, joining Dad’s sisters and their families. Mom was sad to leave her family once again, but she adapted to make sure we were all happy.

Mom worked at a few different jobs, but primarily spent over 20 years at the Eaton’s Store in downtown Winnipeg where she prepared the various desserts that were served in the Valley and Grill rooms and were enjoyed by many Eaton’s customers.

Mom was the consummate Italian wife and mother and taking care of her family was her first priority. When her grandchildren arrived, she reached deep into her heart and pulled out that special love that only grandparents can shower their grandchildren with.

Due to a mispronunciation by her first grandchild when he was learning to talk, the traditional Nonna became Nanni and it stuck. She became affectionately known as Nanni and she loved it. So much so, that when she talked to the kids, she always referred to herself as their Nanni.

Mom’s hands were never idle. When she was not cooking and cleaning, she would be tending to her garden or knitting a new creation.

Mom was well known in the Southdale neighborhood where she lived for almost 50 years. Her large number of friendships were important to her, many of which would be established by meeting over her fence, while out on walks, or at the various businesses she would frequent. She had a very welcoming manner and was always ready to chat, which often led to food being prepared and given to anyone willing to receive it – which they always were.

Mom had a passion for a good long walk, often walking to local stores in search of good sales. She also loved gardening, cooking, and baking (especially her homemade bread that many people had an opportunity to enjoy). Preparing delicious meals with the simplest of ingredients was a special gift that mom possessed. She created so many feasts that were enjoyed by her family and friends over the years. She took great joy in feeding people and could often be heard telling her guests to “mangia, mangia”!

“Cara mamma riposa in pace”

Viewing will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, with Father Sam Argenziano presiding. Mass of the resurrection will follow at 11:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Holy Angel Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Michael Trunzo, Angelo Manfredi, Zack Zaman, James Male, Kris Rutherford, and Matt Moore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eQh6_et9bM

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of the Simkin Center Personal Care Home for the compassionate care they provided Rosaria over the past three years.

Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Hemophilia Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or CancerCare Manitoba.