Virginia Galea (née Saliba), 86, of Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Virginia was born on April 18, 1939, at St. Joseph’s Hospital to the late Martin and Mary Saliba. She was the second eldest of six children, Canadian-born with Maltese roots. She worked as a professional typist for Swifts Canada and Eaton’s, where she applied her skills in office management, organization, and accounting. Above all, Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, and Nanna (grandmother) who cherished time spent with those she loved.

She is lovingly remembered by her three children: Brian (Patty), Lisa (Robert), and Martin (Rani); her six grandchildren: Brent (Veronica), Alexandria (Gabriel), Ceara, Cassandra, Carter, and Corinne; and her great-grandson, Leo. She will also be fondly remembered by her extended family and friends, the Evergreen Retirement Community, her Barvale neighbours, and the Nativity of Our Lord Parish.

The one word everyone would unanimously use to describe Virginia is strong. Her strength radiated through everything she did, from being a pillar during her husband Johnny’s later years to bravely surviving cancer. She lived each day thinking of others before herself. Virginia was a constant presence in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, never missing a milestone, big or small. She was an avid bowler and bingo player while praying the rosary daily. She will be remembered as the life of the party, often with a rum and Coke in hand. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, tradition, and lots and lots of recipes.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Neweduk Chapel, located at 1981 Dundas Street West, Mississauga, Ontario.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 480 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke, on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10am. Reception details will be shared with friends and family.

For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available via the Nativity of Our Lord Parish YouTube channel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Virginia Galea’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.