Josephine Mary Cimetta

Josephine Mary Cimetta, passed away peacefully at her home on November 23rd, 2024 at the remarkable age of 98. She lived a full and accomplished life, leaving behind a legacy of independence, adventure, and determination.

Born in Navelli, Italy (Abruzzo) on May 24th, 1926, Josephine immigrated to Canada with her parents before the age of two, settling in Timmins, Ontario. As a child and teenager, she worked diligently in her family's store and hotel, while excelling in school.

Josephine's ambition and work ethic were evident from a young age. By the time she was 20, she was breaking societal norms, e.g. rather than following a traditional path of married life, she focused her energy on acquiring real estate and navigating the stock market.

The Cimetta family moved from Timmins in the early 1950's and built a family home in the Armour Heights neighbourhood of North Toronto.

The majority of her life’s work was spent as a bookkeeper, landlord and office manager for her brothers’ firm, Cimetta & Cimetta, Barristers & Solicitors.

Aside from work, her greatest passion in life was travel. She explored countless exotic destinations around the globe, often traveling alone during an era when this was uncommon for women. She delighted in recounting all the wonderful experiences and people she met along the way. Her intriguing stories included dinners/events with ship captains, prime ministers, dignitaries, and sultans! She also enjoyed entertaining at home, dining out with friends, attending her wine club and spending time with her brother, Angelo, and his family.

Josephine was pre-deceased by her father (Nicholas), mother (Maria) and three younger brothers (Angelo, Sam and Henry). She is survived by her sister-in-law (Louise), nieces and nephews (Sandra, Robert, Amy, Jason and David), grand niece (Vienna), “surrogate” nephews (Michael and Patrick Legris) and first cousins on her mother's side (Frank, Maria, Santina, Vince, Sam, Gina and Anna).

The family wishes to thank Josephine's caregivers (Evelyn, Luz, Edna, Suzette and Leanne) whose assistance enabled her to remain at home in her last year of life. Their kindness, dedication and patience were much appreciated.

Josephine will be remembered for her strong personality and her determination to do things her way. Life will certainly be less interesting without her. She will be truly missed and never forgotten.

In keeping with her wishes, Josephine will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery beside her parents on Monday, December 2nd in a small family gathering. Known for her love of celebrating birthdays, a 'Memorial Luncheon' will be held in May 2025 to honour her life and celebrate what would have been her 99th birthday.

Memorial donations may be made to: Alzheimer Society of Toronto