It’s with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Filomena at the age of 92 at the Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga Hospital, on Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 with her family by her side. Beloved wife of Luigi for 70 years, Filomena leaves behind and will be dearly missed by her loving children Pasqualina (the late Luigi) and Rosario (Elizabeth), and cherished grandchildren Joseph and Daniel. Beloved sister of Maria Faraone ( the late Mario) and Marzia Varone (Antimo), pre-deceased by her brothers Clemente Malatesta (Guiseppina), Pasquale Malatesta, and Pietro Malatesta (Frances), all of Toronto. Her passing will also leave a large hole in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours.

Born in S. Clemente, Caserta, Italy, Filomena settled in Canada in 1954 with Luigi and Lina to join her brothers here and start a new life. They welcomed son Rosario in 1958. Throughout her life, she maintained an unshakeable faith in the Lord and devotion to her church.

Filomena had a huge heart of gold, always giving, always making sure everyone was looked after even beyond her own family. Growing up as the oldest daughter, she was a second mother to her siblings. During World War II and the German occupation in Italy, she helped her father get food for the family, and in Canada always made sure everyone in the family had what they needed. She was the matriarch of the family in Canada. An excellent seamstress, her talents as a cook will be sorely missed. Working in the housekeeping department at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, she would make sure those patients she came in contact with had what they needed, even occasionally taking home laundry for them. Filomena loved to share her stories of life growing up in Italy and their new lives in Canada, always talking about family.

A private service and entombment will be held. Attendance is limited to family and close friends due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The family sincerely appreciates your thoughts and prayers as you share in our sorrow at this sad time.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.