EULOGY FOR MARIA VENUTO

I've been asked to read this eulogy on behalf of the Venuto family and it is my great honour to do so.  The Venuto family is still shocked by how someone so dear to us can be taken away at a moment's notice and we are reminded today about the brevity of our lives here on earth.  We very much appreciate the presence of all of you here today and at the funeral home over the last few days as we give our fondest regards to Maria Venuto.  Your support and prayers in these last few days will forever remain in our hearts.  

Our mother, Maria Venuto was born in Rogliano, Cosenza, Italy.  She was 1 of 3 children born to Giovanina and Filippo on September 5, 1932.

Maria corresponded through letters with Ferdinando Venuto who was in Canada since 1952.  She arrived in Canada in 1958 and married Ferdinando that same year.

Throughout her marriage Maria demonstrated Christ-like love in how she sacrificed for the family.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  Maria valued the simple things in life and always placed the interest of her family before her own.   She was a humble, gentle, reserved woman who had a most pleasant, welcoming personality.  Like many immigrants of her time, Maria did not take any exotic vacations and she was able to stretch a dollar.  Maria's idea of going to the cottage was visiting Lucia's home in King City.  She did not need the Muskoka experience.  After retiring, she played a major role in baby sitting Alessandro and Carla.  The grandchildren describe her cooking as “perfection”; her zucchini cake was beyond belief.  Maria demonstrated the great wisdom of her generation in knowing that “the family that eats together stays together”.  A well-fed family was a major priority for her.

Maria celebrated 55 years of marriage and we are deeply thankful for the example of love and wisdom that she and Ferdinando have given to us over the years.  Furthermore, the occasional teasing of one another was a sign of the love that they had for one another.

One of the outstanding qualities of Maria was her sense of duty to her family as she supported her husband in running a grocery store that they owned together on Ossington Ave.  for 18 years.  A strong work ethic and hospitality were her major contributions.  Maria was a master multi-tasker; able to balance duties at home and responsibilities at the store.

She will be greatly missed by her husband, Ferdinando, her children, Edivige, Nunzio and Lucia, her grandchildren; Nerina, Monique, Sabrina, Alessandro, Carla; and her great grand children, Owen, Julian and Colton

Thank you for supporting us in this difficult time.  We believe that Maria is home with the Lord and that while we are crying tears of sorrow for our loss, we believe the communion of saints are crying tears of joy; happy to see her.   While we are having a funeral mass, they are having a celebration.  While we must say goodbye, the angels and saints are saying “hello” to our dearly beloved Maria in her heavenly home.

Le parole sono poche in momenti come questo, ma il nostro cuore è vicino a voi

Carisimmi zio Ferdinando e famiglia tutta, la dipartita di zia Maria ci ha colpiti come un fulmine. Siamo costernati. Anche se lontani vi abbiamo nel cuore. Vi abbracciamo, Filippo, Ada ed Erminia (Roma, Italia)

Le parole sono poche in momenti come questo, ma il nostro cuore

Abbiamo saputo da Filippo, partecipiamo al vostro dolore e vi siamo vicini.
Maria Gravina e figlia ( Taranto, Italia )

Nunzio,

My sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother.

John Turco(Kleinburg)

Nunzio,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. My families thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
George Papadeas

Have a wonderful sleep with the angels Maria. The legacy you have left in and with your family will forever keep the memory of you alive. Bless, Marcia!

OBITUARY

Maria Venuto

September 5, 1932 – October 14, 2013

Jerrett Funeral Homes - St. Clair Chapel

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