On June 4, 2020, after a life well-lived, Giulia Sabatini Giardetti passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Predeceased by her cherished husband Primo and her adored brother Angelo, she leaves to mourn her children Walter (Diane), Joe (Gina) and Liana, her grandchildren Tanya (Marty), Tara (Rob), Matthew (Paulina), Laura (Ricky) and Olivia (Mark), great-grandchildren Cassie, Zack, Caden, Brenden and Declen, as well as her sister Tecla, dearest sister-in-law Franca, nephews and nieces Anthony (Christine), Daniela (Max), Andrea, Ezio and Sandra and many loving cousins in Toronto and Vittorio in Niagara Falls, NY.
Born on May 5th, 1926 in the picturesque village of Pietracamela, Italy in the shadow of the “Gran Sasso” mountain, Giulia was recognized from an early age for her beauty, warmth and intelligence. She attended the “Università degli Studi dell'Aquila”, where in 1947 she completed a degree in Obstetrics. She subsequently married the love of her life, Primo and after Walter’s birth, followed him to Montreal in 1950 to start a new life, as so many immigrants did following the war. Unfortunately, while midwifery was a recognized and respected profession in Europe, such was not the case in North America at the time, and so Giulia’s professional career was cut short. She instead dedicated the rest of her life to her family, which grew to include Joe and Liana. The fact that each child was born seven years apart was in hindsight a blessing, as it kept both Giulia and Primo young of spirit and sharp of mind.
Giulia was our “social butterfly”, as she was so at ease engaging with people. She often initiated conversations in broken English or French with total strangers regardless of locale or circumstance, but her gentle smile and genuine curiosity invariably won them over. Throughout her life, friends and acquaintances always spoke of her with fondness, admiration and respect.
Following Primo’s passing in 2003, Giulia maintained an independent and active social life into her early 90’s, seeing friends, participating enthusiastically in senior activities, particularly painting and exercise classes and enjoying group outings. More than anything, she enjoyed being with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews (many of whom she helped raise). She was so proud of each of them.
A special note of thanks to the entire staff of CHSLD François-Séguenot, and in particular Maria Paz and Frank Iafanti. Due to the current circumstances, a private funeral will be held at this time. A memorial will take place at a later date in Giulia’s honour. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to the “Heart and Stroke Foundation’ are greatly appreciated.
We love you Mom. Thank you for sacrificing your life and aspirations for us. Say hello to Dad (don’t argue!) and Zio Angelo and tell them how much we miss them. We are happy that you will be reunited with them and with your loving parents, Giselda and Antonio, in-laws Giacomina and Giuseppe Antonio and Zia Maria.
Quel mazzolin di fiori, che vien dalla montagna
e guarda ben che no 'l se bagna, che lo voglio regalar
Lo voglio regalare, perchè l'è un bel mazzetto
Lo voglio dare al mio moretto, questa sera quando 'l vien.
Until we meet again. We love you so.
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