ANTONIETTA ‘Toni’ LOMBARDI (nee CARRESCIA) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Antonietta ‘Toni’ Lombardi, on Wednesday, November 20 at the age of 83. Toni was predeceased by her husband Raffaele. She will be truly missed by her children, Nino (Kristina Lombardi), Grace and Carmela (Bruce Vickers). She was Nonna to two beautiful granddaughters (Danielle and Kaitlin Lombardi) and grandson (Brayden Vickers). Antonietta was predeceased by her sister Grazia (Finelli) and is survived by her sister Lucia (DiFranco) and brother Giuseppe (Carmela Carrescia). She immigrated to Canada from Roseto Valfortore, Foggia, Italy on April 21, 1961, by boat, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax with her brother Giuseppe to join their sister Lucia in Etobicoke.

It was (ironically enough) at a funeral that Antonietta met a handsome young man – Raffaele. When they went to shake hands, he wouldn’t let go. They were married on June 30, 1962 and settled in Etobicoke. Extremely proud of her heritage she set up their home with vegetable and flower gardens all around the yard, the envy of the street. She was constantly sharing her harvest with neighbours. This was her way. To FEED those she loved. Toni’s cooking and baking were legendary with many requests for her Sfogliatelle for family weddings all the way to making homemade pasta to wine and jarring sauce in the garage. Widowed at the very young age of 44, she had the fierce resolve to carry on for her Family, as that is what kept her moving forward. Travel became a passion later in life where she was able to travel through Europe on many excursions. Toni was lightening in a bottle. Open to new experiences and meeting people, dancing, singing, old movies and music, so central to her life.

Toni’s legacy and greatest work, however, where her grandchildren. This is when her life began. Everything she had was given to her grandchildren. Being a Nonna gave her, her greatest joy. She took a keen interest in her grandchildren lives and was a wonderful support and inspiration to each. She will live on through them.

Funeral arrangements have been made at Turner & Porter Funeral Home, 2180 Hurontario St., with visitation on Sunday November 24 from 4-8PM.

A Catholic mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church – 782 Brown’s Line on Monday, November 25 at 10 AM.

Mom showed her love through her food and feeding and helping others. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mississauga Food Bank –
https://www.foodbanksmississauga.ca/donate/donate-today/