Maria Di Curzio

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the peaceful passing after a very short illness of Maria Di Curzio on Friday June 11, 2021. She passed two weeks before her 95th birthday.

Maria was predeceased by her dad Giovanni and her mom Elizabetta, brother Vincenzo and sister-in-law Nadella; sister Lucia and husband Gastone plus brother Mario and nephew Walter. Left to cherish her fond memories are her sons Joe (Barb), Paolo and grandchildren Alex (Reece) and Marina (Alex). Also left to mourn are her sister-in-law Adele and nephews and nieces Lisa, Giovanni and Maurizio. Also left to mourn are her numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews from her husband’s side.

Maria was born in Canzano, Italy on June 25, 1926. She married the love of her life Sebastiano in 1952 and together they ran a small farm. In 1967, her and Sebastiano brought their family to Winnipeg where Maria worked as a cleaner at Health Sciences Centre, Medical Arts Building and Quintons. Mom also worked tirelessly at home to support her children and her husband and they were known for hosting a large number of functions at their house. It was not unusual to host 15-20 people with 10 course dinners. Mom was an amazing cook and was always happy to provide a meal to anyone who visited the house which seemed to always be full of people. Her favorite saying was always: mangia, mangia, mangia. (Eat, Eat, Eat). During these functions you could be sure it was followed by great wine along with some music and dancing late into the night. Maria adored her kids and supported them in any way possible. During the time that Joe coached the soccer team Pescara and Paolo played on the team, mom attended every game and interacted with every player and fan. The newspapers dubbed her “Mamma Pescara”. In 2007, her husband Sebastiano passed away and shortly after that she moved in with her son Paolo. The two of them really enjoyed this great relationship. Maria absolutely adored her granddaughters and was always involved with their activities. Her favorite activity was coming over once a week to look after them. She always served up her best meals for them and always brought great treats and toys and entertained them royally.

A special thanks to her friend Maria D’Ignazio who called her two to three times per day for extended periods of time to keep her company especially during the last 10 years as her eyesight decreased as well as her mobility.

Due to Covid restrictions a private ceremony has already taken place.

In lieu of flowers if you so wish, please send donations to CancerCare Manitoba.