Maria Caterina Telesca

September 1, 1934 – March 7, 2026

Maria Caterina Telesca passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 91. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Nicola Telesca.

Born in Avigliano, Italy, Maria Caterina later immigrated to Canada on November 28, 1956 where she built a life centered around family, love, and tradition. She devoted much of her life to caring for her children and grandchildren, tending to her garden, and cooking meals that brought everyone together.

She was the loving mother of Vito (Koula) Telesca, Donna (Tony) Oliveira, and Lucie (Pat) Caggianiello. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Stephanie, Nicholas, Michael, Melissa, Julia, Christina, and Olivia, and an adoring great-grandmother to Eliana, Aurelia, Camila, Sofia, Richard, and Olivia.

Maria Caterina was predeceased by her parents, Margherita and Gerardo, and by her cherished husband Nicola.

She will always be remembered for her kind heart, sharp sense of humor, and wonderfully sarcastic wit. Maria Caterina had a way of making those around her laugh, often with the most unexpected comments. She cared deeply for the people she loved and spent her life looking after them in every way she could.

She was known for being incredibly tidy and particular, always keeping things neat and in order. Whether it was carefully folding clothes, keeping her home immaculate, or always having a napkin tucked in her hand or pocket, she carried herself with a quiet pride and attention to detail that those around her will never forget.

Strong-willed and independent, she was famously stubborn, even refusing to use a walker until she absolutely had to. When asked how she was feeling, she would often jokingly reply in Italian that she was “an old lady,” always bringing a smile to those around her. Instead of saying “I love you so much,” she would say, “I love you too much,” a phrase her family will carry with them forever.

Above all, Maria Caterina valued companionship and family. She found her greatest joy in being surrounded by the people she loved.

Visitation will take place at Jerrett Funeral Homes on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Nicholas of Bari Catholic Church on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation will take place at Jerrett Funeral Homes, 1141 St Clair Ave West, Toronto, ON, M6E1B1, CA, on March 11, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again on March 11, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Nicholas of Bari Catholic Church, 1277 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6E 1B8, CA, on March 12, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to KCNC1 Foundation, an organization very dear and personal to Maria and her family.