María was born in May 1933 in Aielli Alto, Italy. She passed away peacefully on March 6, 2023 surrounded by family and friends.

Maria is predeceased by her husband Mario, her sisters Rosina, Antonina, Ida and brothers Cesare and Giuseppe. She is survived by her son Joe, daughter-in law Maria, granddaughters Melina (Simon), Natalie (Adrian), and Sophia (Matthew) and great grandchildren, David, Elliot, Isabella, Valentina, William, Rocco and Mario. From her small family of three that emigrated to Canada in 1957, Maria is leaving a legacy of 15 people.

Maria was married to Mario Mancini in 1954 and were together for 42 years. Upon settling into Cooksville, they bought their home in 1962. Over the years, Maria and Mario welcomed several families that were emigrating to Canada into their home until they had a place of their own.

Maria had a long career in the housekeeping department of The South Peel Hospital (1st site of Trillium Hospital). While serving at Trillium Hospital, Maria was primarily stationed on the Labour and Delivery ward. Quite often, she took the opportunity to say kind and comforting words to young Italian mothers that were going through labour but could not understand English.

Maria was full of life and had a quick wit. She opened her home to everyone and always made sure that guests were well fed with homemade pasta, pizza or cookies. In her retirement years, Maria became an avid gardener. Her garden and flower beds were awed by all. She was also a devout catholic and was part of the church prayer group.

She loved and had a very special relationship with her granddaughters and their spouses. She especially enjoyed knitting the girls matching hats, scarves, sweaters and mittens as children, many of which are worn today by her great-grandchildren.

Our sincerest thanks to the special, loving staff at Wesburn Manor LTC who cared for Maria since 2019.

Her traditional values have played a pivotal role in shaping our lives.

Rest in peace Cara Mamma, Nonna, e BisNonna. You will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy 10 N. of Q.E.W.) on Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 2-4 pm and from 7-9 pm.

Funeral Service will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 2340 Hurontario St., Mississauga on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 9:30 am.

Entombment Glen Oaks Mausoleum.