Adua Buonanno

Ever the traveler, Adua began her final adventure to Heaven on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at age 87. Whether Copenhagen or New York, Jerusalem or Santo Domingo, no destination was too far or too exotic. Her appetite for life was unmatched, even if it meant being reminded that 3-inch heels weren’t quite necessary for dancing when in her eighties.

Born in Gesualdo, Avellino, Italy, on October 22, 1935, Adua valued her countryside upbringing but craved the energy and dynamism of urban life. It was her family’s decision to set sail for Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the 1950s, that marked the first of many travels. In 1960, she married her forever love Francesco Buonanno, a fellow Neapolitan who shared Adua’s genuine thirst for life. Later that year, the pair had their first and only child Carmen (Robert Greene) before departing for Toronto, Canada, in 1967, in what would serve as the family’s enduring home.

Despite shifts in climate, culture, and language, Adua thrived. She soon began a career producing footwear for the construction industry. She tended her garden with care and patience and scurried through the kitchen in ways that left guests craving a second bowl of gnocchi. She found friendship and community at the Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre. In 1989, the birth of her grandson Jesse (Chris) promised new quests. Some were largely successful, like a trip to Disney World in 2000 in which Adua’s petite stature exempted the pair from certain rollercoasters (but not all), and others less so, like when persuading her grandson that cheese was delicious.

Age could not slow Adua’s wit or sharp tongue. Her arrival at Villa Forum Long Term Care Residence made for new experiences and with her trusty heels in tow, she was all too ready to prove that she was 85 years young.

Adua will be reunited in Heaven with her husband Francesco and brother Carmine (Elena). She will be dearly missed by her daughter Carmen (Robert Greene); grandson Jesse (Chris); sister Maria (Renato Giovanniello) and baby brother Daniel (Virna); her deeply loved nieces, nephews, their families, and her many friends.

Visitation will be held at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 1141 St. Clair Ave. W. (1 block east of Dufferin) on Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30am on Monday, November 28, 2022 at St. Nicholas of Bari Church, 1277 St. Clair Ave. W. PLEASE NOTE: On the morning of the Mass, we would ask that all friends go directly to the church allowing the family some private time prior to the service.

Entombment to follow at Prospect.

If desired, donations in Memory of Adua Buonanno can be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation and/or the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.

PLEASE NOTE: Masks are no longer required to attend indoor funeral services, for those that feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please feel free to do so.