Monica Beatrice Mallia Xuereb

November 9, 1944-March 30, 2022

Toronto, ON – Monica Xuereb died peacefully on the morning of March 30, 2022, at her home at the Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence in Scarborough. Monica lived with Parkinson’s Disease for over twenty years and succumbed four weeks after surviving a bout of COVID-19 which had hospitalized her in February. We are very grateful for the loving care she received from all of her caregivers.

Monica was born in Malta on November 9, 1944, the eldest of six children of Gerald and Evelyn Mallia. She went to teacher’s college in Malta before marrying her childhood sweetheart, Dennis Xuereb, in 1968. They emigrated to Canada just before the birth of their first child in 1969. Monica adjusted quickly to life in Canada: she raised three children, ensuring their participation in hockey, soccer, and music lessons, while pursuing her own interests in art and languages. Monica enrolled in university at the same time as her two eldest children, and she graduated in 1992 with a degree in Interior Design from Ryerson University. She worked in the field for several years designing stores, offices, and small residential projects. She went on to co-own a lingerie business for eight years and then to be a very popular host to international English language students.

Nothing made Monica happier than a noisy house full of people. She was often the host of large family gatherings as well as dinner parties for friends from the many dimensions of her life. She was deeply devoted to her own children, her many nieces and nephews, and her grandchildren most of all. She lived a full life of friends, family, travel, and music. An artist through and through, she loved stylish clothing and had a flair for colour, pattern, and fashion. She was a masterful organizer of objects in space and could bring any room to life.

She has been a warrior these past several years, facing her physical and cognitive challenges with true grace. It was not an easy road for her and we are grateful she is at peace.

Monica is predeceased by her parents Gerald and Evelyn, her brother Josie, and sister Rose. She is

survived by her three children and their families: Marc, Fiona and Silas; Michelle, Sean and Hazel; Steven, Nezahat, Miral, and Malik; as well as her three surviving siblings Myriam, Mario, and Lina; and in-laws David, Tony, and Mary.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 3, 2022, from 2-6pm at Kane Jerrett Funeral Home at 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill. The funeral will be held at 10am on Monday, April 4 at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 3220 Bayview Avenue, North York. Burial will immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, followed by reception at Blessed Trinity.

Out of respect for those particularly susceptible to COVID-19, guests are kindly requested to wear a mask to the visitation, funeral, and reception.

Donations in lieu of flowers are suggested to be made to Parkinson Canada.