Immacolata Borrillo

Immacolata Borrillo, a cornerstone of faith and family, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at the age of 97.

Born in Molinara, Italy, Immacolata’s journey was one of courage and resilience. A child of war who witnessed the liberation of Italy, she eventually followed a divine plan across the Atlantic. On Christmas Eve in 1951, she disembarked the SS Nassau at Halifax, beginning a new chapter that would span over seven decades in her adopted homes of Canada and the United States.

A master seamstress who spent years crafting wedding gowns, Immacolata’s work was always an act of love. She was known for the humble tradition of "leaving a pin" in every garment—a reminder that while we strive for excellence, only God is truly perfect. Her hands were never idle, whether she was sewing Barbie clothes for her daughter or clutching the rosaries that never left her side. A faithful parishioner of St. Gregory the Great since the 1970s, her life was a testament to the peace found in steady, unshakable faith.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Nicola, and her dear siblings, Antonio and Giuseppina.

She is survived by her devoted daughter and constant companion, Josephine; her son, Donato, and his wife, Liesa; and her beloved sister, Angelina, and her son Angelo. She was the cherished grandmother of Jessica (Simon), Nicholas, Caroline, and Rocco, and a dear step-grandmother to Lauren. She will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews, who remained close to her heart: Maria Cristina (Carlo) and her daughter Maria Vittoria; Donato (Giuseppina) and their children Ivana, Antonio (Chiara), and Valeria (Francesco); Maddalena (Angelo), and daughter Stefania (Rocco Luigi) (remembering the late Monica); Pasqualina; and Carmelo (Terry) and their children Anthony (Irma), Margaret, Jonathan (Laura).

Immacolata—known as "Lola" to her friends—leaves behind a "ripple effect" of love and faith that will be felt for generations to come.

The family will be present on Monday February 9th from 9 – 10 AM at the PERNA DENGLER ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME 1671 Maple Road, Williamsville NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at Saint Gregory the Great Church 200 St Gregory Ct, Buffalo, NY 14221. Entombment at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cheektowaga NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the Circle of Hope pregnancy support center in Gainesville FL,

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-save-lives-38