One who is patient, respectful, strong, humble, empathetic, authoritative – if she had to be, or perhaps you could define a mother to be supportive and loving?
To my sisters, Anna, Rosanna, Giuliana and brother Carmine, son-in-laws, Paolo, Roberto and Jim, and daughter-in-law Linda, each of these qualities, without doubt, define our mother, Adriana Paolitto.
Family and friends, it is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today to speak about a remarkable woman. Born on Dec. 28th, 1938, in Castelfidardo, province of Ancona, Italy, our mother Adriana, was raised in a loving home with her parents, Marino and Angelina Zagaglia and her two brothers, Franco and Luigi. As a soldier of war, her father was enlisted to combat the armed conflicts between different nations and different groups within a nation. Prior to his departure across the Adriatic Sea, his wife told him she was pregnant. Marino was worried as all soldiers were, and as he hugged Angelina farewell he wanted to ensure that his unborn child would know everything about him. Many months later, Adriana, named after the Adriatic Sea, was born.
Life then, as we were told, was very difficult. Having a father as a soldier who was later held as a prisoner of war, the Zagaglia’s home life presented many challenges. My mother, Adriana and her brothers had to work hard to help their mother, Angelina, cultivate the produce on their farm and they had to tend to their many animals. Adriana grew attached to many of her farm animals but her greatest pride was Regina, her cow. She would follow Regina out onto the pastures and quickly observed that her favorite cow grazed much slower than the other cows and preferred to stand around the fields with their other livestock such as their horses, cattle, sheep and goats. As our mother grew older, she attended a convent where she learned how to sew. Little did she know at that time, that these skills would prove to be the fabric of her success in another country. Like all young ladies, our mother spent some time with some friends, when the completion of farming and household chores permitted. Out and about on the fields, she enjoyed riding her bicycle and eventually graduated to riding her motorcycle.
This talented and dedicated young lady, soon met the love of her life, Giuseppe Paolitto, in Montelongo, a comunue in the Province of Campobasso in the region of Molise. This cool and slick looking young man, who they called CAPO VERDE because of his hair, fell head over heels for this tall, slim and stunning young lady. After some courting and parental meetings, they officially became an item.
As Giuseppe, Joe, or Peppi, as he was called, made his way to Canada with his family, it wasn’t long afterwards that Adriana, joined him. Leaving her mother, father and brothers behind, she embarked on a new journey across the Atlantic Ocean. As an immigrant, Adriana had to learn a new language, settle in a new country with new customs and traditions. Despite the many hurdles, our mother persevered. She worked hard; set goals and wanted to embrace Toronto, Canada, her new home, with an abundance of opportunities. How impressed were her new employers at Stella Drapery, when mommy started sewing! Those long hours back home paid off! Shortly thereafter, she was reunited with her family as they too came to Canada. Franco and Luigi worked very hard and eventually became very successful businessmen.
Adriana married her prince and shining armor Giuseppe; they built a palace of a home at 3 Rainswood Court. They enjoyed life as newlyweds, and after 8 years Anna was born. Although the start of their family took some time, Angela, Rosanna, Giuliana came within 18 months apart. But daddy did not stop there. You see, he was determined to have a son! In fact, 5 years to the date, after Giuliana was born, his son, Carmine came into this world. This changed all our lives in many ways. You see, being the youngest, Carmine received a lot of attention…like I mean a lot!! Mom had us play with Carmine, sing him to sleep to the tunes of KC & the Sunshine Band – Please don’t Go, feeding him his pastina, changing his diaper and riding him around Rainswood on the golden bike with the banana seat.
Mommy did her very best to ensure that her girls were taught how to properly make a bed, how and where to put your shoes once you entered the house, how to dust the furniture by removing items on the dresser, how to do laundry by never mixing the whites with the dark colored clothes and how to use the Electolux vacuum cleaner without damaging the baseboards or walls. Growing up was fun! Our parents did their very best to ensure that their children got the best of the best! Her girls learned how to figure skate, swim, and play instruments. We each had our own preference and mom and dad were extremely encouraging and supportive. We flourished in many ways. Her son played hockey and even though his defensive skills were rough and tough, mommy cheered him on. Things were grand!
Let’s fast forward to March 8th 1987; a grief-filled and traumatic situation permanently altered all our lives. Nothing was ever the same again. The leader of our family, our father, Giuseppe passed away after a tiring battle against pancreatic cancer. Once diagnosed, mom was determined to prolong the inevitable. They had 5 young children and our mother wasn’t ready to let him go. With the assistance of medical practioners and family, mom and dad travelled to many places in search of a cure; a herbal cure. At the age of 48, mom was a widow. Without a doubt, she felt numbness, confusion, fear, and anger, however, her courage and strength saw us thorough a very dark and sad time. Our mother did an awesome job covering her feelings and emotions. Still in shock and full of sorrow, her hard work and determination kept us afloat. Adriana worked day and night; as an immigrant and entrepreneur, she opened and successfully operated, “Adriana Creations Drapery”. She took a risk to start her own business based on her ideas and expertise. Adriana had a passion for sewing, she was creative, she had self-confidence and she aspired to reach her goals without losing site of her 5 children and the need to parent and nurture them. Adriana was open-minded, she had a kind heart, she was compassionate, generous and kind. When the grandchildren would visit, we would almost always find her in the basement sewing using her SURGE machine. She taught her grandchildren how to sew; they made pillows, blankets, teddy bears, pencil cases and clothes for the dolls – not to mention hats because someone enjoyed writing and defacing the faces of the dolls!
One of her greatest moments in this industry, and there were many, Adriana Creations Drapery received a contract to complete the work in the private rooms at the Sky Dome! As children, we were extremely proud of her accomplishments! To us, she became a celebrity!!
As the years wisped by, thanks to our mother’s many sacrifices, her children were able to attend private schools, colleagues and universities. Soon, our significant others came into the picture and Adriana ensured that our engagements and weddings were exactly what she and my late father envisioned.
In 1998, Adriana had a new title. She now became a grandmother, a nonna. A true source of joy for most grandparents is being able to watch her own kids be great parents. Being an involved grandparent, Adriana was always there to assist her family especially her grandchildren because each of her 11 grandchildren knew that they could count on Nonna Adriana for anything. Our mother valued the importance of family. She would say that family provides love, support and a framework of values. Family teaches each other, serves one another and shares life’s joys and sorrows. Families provide a setting for personal growth as family is the single most important influence in our lives and in the lives of our children. On a Family Day long weekend, Adriana took all her children and all her grandchildren to Niagara Falls. The memories of time we spent in the hotel and swimming pool will live within our hearts.
In the words of her grandchildren (Melissa, Julianna, Michael, John, Stephanie, Adriana, Lianna, Jessica, Giuseppe and Adriano) I quote, “nonna was always generous; she was generous with her time and never ignored or dismissed us while she worked or even when she was tired. Nonna’s eyes would light up whenever we were with her. She loved spending time with us; teaching us new skills, watching her favourite shows like Three’s Company and Two and a Half Men, going to St. Philip/Padre Pio Bakery for fresh panini, mortadella and ricotta. Quality time is what formed our bond. Nonna was very loving and always put a smile on our faces. No matter who, when, where or why, nonna demonstrated the unwavering love she had for each of her grandchildren. There was never a time when any of us felt unloved, or uncared for. She showed us what it means to love blindly. She made us laugh, smile and was always there for all of us by lending a hand, helping us in hard times and making us feel better. She would comfort, care and love us in ways that we will never forget. Nonna was a teacher. She taught us family values, how to cook, how to sew and how to cherish every moment with each other just like she did. She showed us the importance of being strong, loving and hard working. She showed us the importance of giving because that’s how she lived her life. She gave generously. She cared deeply for people who were less fortunate or did not have shelter, including stray cats. Nonna never yelled and never got mad. She embraced us and loved us even when we made a mess, played roughly or damaged her expensive material. She wasn’t just our grandmother, she was a role model, a friend, a caregiver, who taught us lessons, lived experiences and to love unconditionally. Nonna was like our best friend. Growing up under her wing has taught us to be loving, caring, honest, generous and admirable. You are perfect inside and out. You introduced us to coffee and cookies, you taught us how to make your famous meatballs with sugo. Nonna you were the pillar of our family; to share our lives with you has been our greatest joy and blessing”.
Adriana has touched the lives of all those she met. She had a zest for life based on respect, honesty and belief in God our Father. She was devoted to the Blessed Mary, Mother of God and practiced her faith through her actions and words.
Adriana believed that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died and was resurrected into eternal life. In Luke Chaper 23, verse 43, as He was hanging on the cross moments before His own death, Jesus turned to one of the thieves being crucified next to Him and said, “today you will be with me in paradise.” This paradise in the Bible tells us is that if we believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, we’ll be with Him in Heaven after our life here on earth. This belief brings with it great solace. And we trust that our beautiful mother now sits on the right hand our God our Father and to his left, our mother was welcomed, greeted and reunited by the love of her life, our dad Giuseppe, her parents, and all our other faithfully departed family members.
Unfortunately, after a long and winded fight against Alyzimiers and Dementia, Adriana succumb to her illness. Such a terrible disease – Adriana lost her cognitive functioning – thinking, remembering, reasoning – to such an extent that it interfered horrifically with her daily life. The last three weeks have been extremely difficult for us. Her strength and courage were much to be admired. Adriana was never alone; she was surrounded by the warmth and love of her children, grandchildren and brothers. If we could ask God for one more moment in time with our mother, we would tell her that she was more than she ever thought she could be; we would tell her again that the success of all her children was because she believed in us and encouraged us by telling us that our dreams were only one step away; we would tell her to fear not the unknown and most importantly, we would thank her for sacrificing her life to make our life better and for the abundance of love she showed us each and every day.
Cara mamma, non ci sono abbastanza parole per descrivere quanto sei speciale per noi. Hai davvero sacrificato la tua vita per i tuoi figli e nipoti. Ci hai dato tanto. Ci hai insegnato tanto. Mamma, sei la luce del nostro mondo e lo sarai sempre. Quest'ultimo mese è stato molto difficile per noi. Ti abbiamo visto soffrire ma non ti sei arreso finché non è diventato insopportabile. Per favore, sappi che eri circondato da tutti i tuoi figli, nipoti ed entrambi i tuoi fratelli, che ti vogliono molto bene. Spero che riposi nella gloria eterna con tuo marito che ci è stato portato via 35 anni fa. Confido che i tuoi genitori ti abbiano abbracciato con baci e abbracci. Vivrai per sempre nei nostri cuori. Riposa in pace ora. Ti amiamo moltissimo finché non ci incontreremo di nuovo in paradiso.
Ciao Mamma!
Written and presented by her second daughter, Angela Paolitto-Altomare
Saturday July 2, 2022 at the 11:30 am funeral mass at Saint Philip Neri Church
Qui Era La Nostra Mama?
Adriana Paolitto ne Zagaglia nata in Castelfidardo, Ancona, Italia era la prima di 3 figli, se guida dai fratelli Franco e Luigi.
Mamma era la cocca di Nonno Marino e Nonna Angelina proprio perché era l’unica femminuccia!
I nonni erano coltivatori diretti e si sono trasferiti ha Campobasso dove hanno cresciuto la famiglia. Nonno Marino era soldato di guerra e fu presso prigioniero in Russia. Nonna Angelina pregava ogni giorno che nonno ritornasse sano e salvo in Italia per vedere la nascita della prima figlia. Mamma ha ricevuto il suo nome d’al mare Adriatico da Nonno Marino mentre in guerra quando lui l’attraverso quindi fu battezzata con il nome Adriana.
Mama Adriana ha conosciuto l’amore della sua vita, Giuseppe Paolitto, il nostro papa. Mamma ha ricevuto l’atto de richiamo per venire in Canada dove nel 1958 si è sposata con papa.
Dopo diversi anni mamma e papa hanno cominciato la loro famiglia, infatti siamo cinque figli: Anna Rachela, Angela, Rosanna, Giuliana e Carmine... quattro regine e il re!
Mama ci ha insegniate tutto della vita! Ci ha dato i valori della fede. Ci ha insegnato ad essere donne e uomo mature e coraggiosi. Da piccoli abbiamo imparato che il rispetto era fondamentale e che tutti sono uguali, non c’era distinzione tra noi figli.
Quando è morto papa, mamma non si é tirata indietro, ha continuato a cresce la sua famiglia con tantissimi sacrifici. Tutti noi figli abbiamo finito le scuole e abbiamo avuto dei successi nelle nostre carriere e nelle nostre vite.
Mamma era una donna caritatevole aveva un cuore grande. Mamma era una lavoratrice, da sua iniziativa aveva messo su un’azienda da tende e coperte. Ero rimasta talmente colpita su come ha aperto una compagnia senza esitazione!
Per mamma ogni occasione era il motivo giusto per gioire; un compleanno, un riconoscimento a scuola, un momento per gioire tutti insieme, non mancava mai il cafè, i biscotti e la torta fato di casa… tutto era una festa!
Mamma noi figli e nipoti ti ringraziamo per tuo affetto, per la tua continua presenza nella nostra vita, per tutti gli insegnamenti della vita… ma soprattutto perché sei stata il modello della nostra vita! Tu, mamma ci hai dato l’amore di un padre e una madre, ci hai fatto crescere con fede e con gioia. Ti vogliamo tantissimo bene mamma e sappiamo che ora abbiamo due grandi angeli in paradiso che continuano a proteggerci e a benedirci.
Riposa in pace carissima mamma sapendo che ci rivediamo.
Le parole che anni fa hai detto a papa al suo funerale, adesso noi figli le ripetiamo a te mamma, “Ti ho amato… ti amerò per sempre!”
Mamma, noi ti amiamo con tutto il cuore!
Scritta e presentata dalla figlia maggiore, Anna Rachela Paolitto-Primiani
Sabato 2 giulio 2022 alla messa funerale 11:30am nella Parrocchia di Saint Philip Neri
* * * * * * * * * *
Adriana Paolitto nee Zagaglia born on December 28, 1938 in Castelfidardo, Ancona, Italy and passed away on June 28, 2022.
She was surrounded by her loving children. Reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Giuseppe Paolitto, and her parents Marino and Angelina Zagaglia, whom she cherished dearly.
Loving mother to Anna (Paolo), Angela (Rob), Rosanna (Jim), Giuliana, Carmine (Linda). May she be the guardian angel to her grandchildren, Julianna, Lianna, Melissa, Stephanie, John, Jessica, Michael, Adriana, Bianca, Giuseppe and Adriano who were the joy of her life.
Adriana’s life was one filled with love for her family, especially her brothers Franco and Luigi, her brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, her nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends.
She will be remembered by her contagious smile, her gentle soul, her stories of life back in Italy, her love for the garden and animals; her talented skills in sewing custom drapery and bedspreads. One cannot forget her incredible culinary skills that included her homemade pizza, her delicious meat and ricotta cannoli with red sauce, her flavorsome meatballs and her chocolate almond buccanotti that brought the family together creating memories and laughter.
She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the opportunity to know her as she touched so many lives in her time here on earth.
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