Gioia Maria Santoro

She was the devoted wife of 54 years to Vito Santoro; cherished mother of Dino (Dorothy), Kathy (Jake), and Gianluca; and proud Nonna of Madeleine, Christiane, Nicholas, and Alexander. She was also a loving sister to Louis (Antoinette).

Fittingly born on Canada Day, Gioia was the first in her family to be born in Canada, a joyful beginning that symbolized the blending of her family’s Italian roots with their new Canadian home.

Gioia will be remembered for her patience, her homemade pasta and wonderful meals, her dedication to her family (especially her grandchildren), her work in banking, and her steady faith. She had a warmth and an amazing ability to make others feel loved. She had a kind heart and everyone who met her loved her. She was a fan of the Beatles and Queen, and could often be found enjoying a good Agatha Christie mystery, whether in book form or on television.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, reunited with her parents, Mario and Maria. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Delmoro Funeral Home (61 Beverly Hills Dr, Toronto, ON M3L 1A2).

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 9:30 am at St. Jude’s Roman Catholic Church (3265 Weston Rd, North York, ON M9M 2T9).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nursing staff at Humber River Hospital for the care and comfort they provided during her final days.