(August 31, 1970 – February 2, 2021)
With broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Domenica Braido at the Sault Area Hospital with her husband, Angelo (Boomer) Braido, by her side. Boomer was her best friend, soulmate, and love of her life. They shared many laughs together and created long lasting memories. Dom will be remembered by her stepdaughter Maddison Braido. Cherished daughter of Luisa and the late Gabriele Gaudio and daughter-in-law of Brenda and the late Enzo Braido.
Dom would often remind her sisters that she was “La Prima Figlia e Seconda Mamma” (first daughter, second mother) so they had no choice but to listen to her. Dom meant the world to her sisters Franca (Aldo) Spadafora and Rosanna (Marco) Bernabucci. Adored sister-in-law to the late Chris (Stephany) Braido and Allyson (John) Pulente. Cherished Auntie Me and self-proclaimed mom to Luca and Marcus Spadafora and Gabriele and Lia Bernabucci. Adored Auntie Dom to Maggie, Olivia, Brooke Braido and Martina and Nicole Pulente. Dom will always be remembered by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless close friends.
Dom was an amazing person who shared her passion for life, her love for family, and brought joy to everyone who knew her. Dom had a tremendous ability to be aware of what was needed in any given moment. She always knew what to say, how to say it and when to say it. The countless hours spent helping those in need will be one of her greatest legacies.
Dom spent 12 years working as a Child and Youth Worker with the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board where she provided much support to students. Her office door was always open to the students of SMC. She created a safe space for students where they found solace in knowing there was always a caring adult in their corner. She had such a profound effect on the students as many continued to keep in contact with her throughout the years.
Dom had been part owner of the George Wellington Esquire Club and she spearheaded many fundraisers for a variety of local charities in Sault Ste. Marie. Over the last 10 years, Dom helped raise over $3,000,000.00 for charities including Pauline’s Place, Women in Crisis, Habitat for Humanity, The Soup Kitchen, Twinkie Foundation, ARCH, Sault Area Hospital, Special Olympics, Algoma Autism Society and Group Health Centre and many local athletic sport teams. Many other charities benefitted from the weekly Porketta BINGO’s. In 2019, Dom was one of the recipients of the Business of Professional Women Award and in her speech, she wrote, “There is much work to be done behind the scenes but there is no better feeling then presenting charities with donations. The thankful look is absolutely priceless, so I say, bring it on, I am more than ready to help.” This exemplifies her big heart and the help she gave to make the Sault that much better.
Dom took after her dad and developed a love for gardening. She was always so proud to show off all her grown vegetables, especially her hot peppers.
The Esquire family (employees and members) will sadly miss Dom. All the workers knew her as the “Mama Bear”.
Family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and staff of the ICU and the paramedics who did what they could to help Dom. Their outstanding care and compassion will never be forgotten.
Family would also like to thank all those who have reached out, offered prayers of support and the many donations. The generosity has been over whelming.
In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Dom’s request to take care of her “children” an education fund has been set. Donations can be directed to Laidlaw, Paciocco, Dumanski, Spadafora and Johnson (info@ssmlawfirm.com, pwd:Braido, include in the message:Spadafora/Bernabucci Trust), in trust for Luca, Marcus Spadafora and Gabriele, Lia Bernabucci. Online donations can also be made to ARCH.
A celebration of Dom’s life will be set at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.