It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nella. She died in her home with George by her side. She is survived by her daughter Maryantonett Flumian and her son in law George, her son Fausto Toffoletti, daughter in law Susan Bates and granddaughter Rachael. Her loving husband Giacomo (Jack) predeceased her in 1999. Nella was a vivacious, fun loving, strong woman until the end. She was born in San Leonardo Del Friuli, Udine in Italy. She was a hard working young lady with a zest for life and a passion for helping people from all walks of life. She lived through the Depression and World War Two. She watched friends and relatives killed and suffer through these years. Her brother, her cousins and the man who would become my father were rounded up and sent to a German work camp for the last period of the war. Nella’s father also served in both world wars. Her generation, growing up in a border region of Italy, was profoundly marked by the times they lived in. Nevertheless, she survived and thrived. Moving to Canada in 1955 along with her daughter to join her husband. They began a new life. At first a difficult and trying existence of the many immigrant families who came to Canada to build a new and better life. Her son was born in Toronto and the family was complete and truly Canadian!

Over time the entire family, under Nella the excellent cook and chatelaine of the house welcomed cousins Joseph and Laurence Gariup to live with us. Countless of other newly arrived immigrants lived with her and had their new start in life. Over time, as the family prospered life became easier and comfortable. Nella started to work outside the home and was very proud of her contribution. When she and Jack retired, they travelled the world. She also found time to volunteer several days a week at Etobicoke General Hospital. That was a ten year labour of love. After the death of her beloved husband, Fausto married and shortly thereafter the world welcomed her only grandchild, Rachael. Nella felt blessed to have welcomed Rachael so late in her life! What a joy!

In 1999, Nella joined her daughter and son in law in Ottawa. She was already well known to many having visited for many years. She made a great many friends and increasingly participated in the community and the day to day lives of her children. To many she will always be the ‘Mother of Service Canada’. She was fiercely proud of being a Canadian and of the accomplishments of her children.
Her outgoing personality will be missed by many! She inspired us all. She will be greatly missed!

The family would like to thank her personal doctor, Patricia Mouaikel, and all the folks at the Champlain LIHN, CBI and all the wonderful care givers who helped out. A special thanks to the Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus and the Queensway Carleton Hospital for all your care and attention. A Funeral Mass will be held in Toronto at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 3914 Bloor Street West at the corner of Martingrove at 10: 30am on Friday, September 6. Entombment will follow at Parklawn Mausoleum.

In OTTAWA, a memorial mass will be held at the Madonna Della Risurrezione, 1621 Fisher Avenue near Prince of Wales, on Monday September 9, at 7 30pm. A reception and celebration of Nella’s life will follow.