It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elsa Antoniazzi (née Mazzucchin) on Saturday, April 4th, 2020, at The Village of Humber Heights long term care facility. At the age of 89, Elsa died peacefully in her sleep.

Elsa was born in Casarsa della Delizia, Italy, on August 4th, 1930. Her parents were the late Pietro Mazzucchin and Anna Francescutti. Growing up, Elsa was one of many children; she had four brothers and seven sisters, and is remembered by her siblings Antonietta, Maria, Isaia, and Bruna. In her passing, she is rejoining her late siblings Maria, Giovanna, Mafalda, Tecla, Isaia, Raffaele and her foster brother Bepi Rubin.

While still living in Italy Elsa was introduced via her cousins to their friend Armando who lived in Argentina. Taking a leap of faith, Elsa married the late Armando Frare Antoniazzi by proxy on October 2, 1954. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean where she would meet her husband in person for the first time upon disembarking the ship in Buenos Aires. Elsa never looked back. She also never missed a chance to remind people how seasick she got on that ship—and how she swore to never travel by sea again.

Elsa and Armando had two children together, the late Armando Bruno and Anamaria. With social unrest becoming more of a daily occurence in Argentina, Elsa quickly went about obtaining the necessary paperwork to immigrate to Canada in 1964 when the opportunity arose. She never regretted coming to Canada, as it brought her closer to many of her siblings and provided opportunity for her and her family. Her son, Armando, married Paula Marsh and they gave Elsa four grandchildren: Megan, Lorna, Lucas and the late Kyle. Her daughter Ana married Andrew Stodart.

Elsa will be dearly remembered by her entire family. In life, she was kind, thoughtful and entirely no-nonsense. There was no task too daunting for her: from seeking opportunities in new lands, to learning three languages, to acting as shift supervisor at Polybottle Limited for over 25 years. She displayed tremendous courage and resilience in everything she did. Elsa enjoyed cooking and gardening, and she loved the colour red. Most of all she loved her family and doting on her grandchildren. To her family, she was a sister, a wife, a mamma, a zia and a nonna.

We miss her terribly. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small funeral will be held with Ana and Armando’s family with a possible celebration of life at a later date. As a result, the family asks that if you would like to offer condolences, please consider a donation in Elsa’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Grazie mille, mamma/nonna.