In Celebration of
Marzia Zangrilli
March 28, 1941 -
December 10, 2020
In loving memory of our mother, (Salvina) Marzia Zangrilli (nee Vento) who passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side, on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at the age of 79. Beloved wife of 60 years of the late Luigi Zangrilli. Loving mother of Maria, Linda (Joseph Racanelli), Diana (Brad Miese), Robert (Angela dos Santos), Liana (Derek Courdeau), and Mark (Lori Korth). Proud grandmother of Simone, Ariana, Ryan, Julia, Evan, Kaitlyn, Ava and Mathew. Adoring sister of Theresa, Madalena, Litizia, and Assunta.
Her beginning in Canada started on a boat coming from Italy, newly married, and many months pregnant, at the age of 17. Imagine what was on her mind all those days on that long voyage, not knowing what was in store for her and her unborn child. If mom had any doubts about her decision to follow her sisters to Canada she hid them well.
Mom had endless life and energy. She managed to raise six children, care for an elderly mother, tend to a small farm - her garden and make our clothes, all while working and being active in the community through volunteering at the church and the local hospital.
When you think of mom a word that comes to mind is selfless. Not only was she there for her children and husband but the love that she shared towards others was natural and true. She often spent many sleepless nights creating masterpieces for her sisters or paesane to wear or whipping up countless baked goods and multiple course meals for yet another family celebration or church bizarre.
With all this goodness comes a price, mom had strong opinions which she often shared, all very well intentioned, so they were often followed by bouts of laughter, but sometimes they started great debates. Her preferred saying was, ‘it’s my God given right to….” On the other hand, she had a childlike fun loving nature making her a favourite with her nephews and nieces and of course her grandchildren.
Mom’s biggest regret was not being allowed to further her education. You would often find her at the library and in her forties she returned to school to become a bank teller and turned her love for sewing into a business. She became known for her handy work with wedding gowns and became so busy that she would bring her work to the cottage.
Many warm and wonderful memories were made at the cottage; it became her favorite place to be. The neighbours still speak of her making fresh pasta on the deck and going out in the fields in the early morning to pick berries for her baking, amidst her swimming and kayaking. We will always cherish the time she spent with her grandchildren there, fooling around, cooking over fires and trying to toboggan onto the lake. As late as this November mom was able to enjoy the cottage, a place that brought her great peace.
Even in her recent years, with the struggles she endured, she kept smiling and enjoying life. We are so blessed and grateful to have had the time that we did with her. Embracing everything that we shared and were taught. She brought a lot of joy and wholesome goodness to everyone who had the opportunity to have known her.
Love you Mom
God bless you