Gaetana "Tanina" Cestra

Gaetana “Tanina” Cestra was born on January 27, 1947 in Corleone, Palermo, Sicily, Italy and passed away surrounded by her loving children on July 30, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the age of 78 years.

Gaetana, also referred to as Tanina or Nina was a big hearted, strong, generous, multitalented, hilarious, spirited, respectful and honourable lady. She was respected by family, friends, paesani, colleagues and by anyone who met her. She was the best chef in the world who fed thousands through family events and catering. She worked loyally and efficiently for the Global Group. She worked hard but also played hard, living her life to the fullest with incredible trips around the world, with festas, parties, dinners etc. She showed loved and created the most beautiful flowers and garden that nourished our eyes and souls. She created a beautiful life and home for her family, always filled with the beautiful smell of Sicilian food and deserts. She was so fortunate to have found love with our father for whom she was the epitome of love. Most importantly, her role as a strong and incredible mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, friend etc., and to anyone who had the pleasure of her acquaintance felt a strong bond and loved her.

She has been reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband and best friend, Giovanni and loving family members.

Loving mother of Roberto (Danielle), Anna Maria (Maurizio) and cherished Nonna of Elisa, Victoria and Avaya.

Dear sister of Mary (Peter), Gino (Gina), Ben, Rosa and dear sister-in-law Lucy.

She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews and their families as well as several close friends who respected her dearly.

Predeceased by her siblings; John, Franco, Fina, Giulia, Giovanina and by her sister-in-law Terry.

Tanina, will be deeply missed, forever loved and remembered by all of her family and friends in Canada, Sicily, New York and several parts of Italy.

Family and friends may visit at the Delmoro Funeral Home, 61 Beverly Hills Dr., North York on Wednesday, August 6th from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-9:00pm.

The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, August 7th at 10:00am at St. Philip Neri Church, 2100 Jane St. (at the corner of Jane and Beverly Hills Dr.)

Entombment to follow at Glendale Cemetery, 1810 Albion Rd. (at the corner of Hwy 27 and Albion Rd.) in the All Saints Mausoleum.

If desired, the family have requested donations in Memory of Gaetana “Tanina” Cestra be made to Diabetes Canada.