December 8,1927 - May 22, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Zia, and Nonna.
Maria went peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the age of 96.
Born in the village of Cellara in the Region of Calabria, Maria moved to Canada in June of 1957. Maria’s long life was a testament to her strength, resilience, and an enduring love for her family.
Maria has joined the love of her life, her husband Alberto Fascina, after eight years apart, for their 63rd wedding anniversary on the 25th of May.
Maria is predeceased by her parents, Michele Bruno, and Antonietta Ungaro; by her siblings - Giovanni Bruno, Francesco Bruno (Maria), Tomaso Bruno, Emma Bruno, Ernesto Bruno (Lorena) & Ida Romano (Ugo); by her husband’s siblings – Pietra Castagna (Giuseppe), Carmelo Fascina (Assunta), Pietro Fascina (Elizabeth), Antonia LaPorta (Paolo), Michele Fascina (Jane), & Angelo Fascina; and by two of her children, infant daughter Carmelina Fascina and daughter Rosanna Bourgault.
Maria is survived by her brother-in-law, Giovanni Fascina (late Concetta), and sister-in-law, Lidia Fascina. She will be lovingly remembered by her children - Carmelina Purificati (Johnny), Giuseppe Fascina (Theresa), and Liana Landriault (Timothy). Nonna will be dearly missed by her grandchildren - Ashlee Lapointe-Landriault (Robert), Tiana Holder-Landriault (Mackenzie), Albert Fascina (Veronica), Christina Landriault (Dallas), Thomas Fascina, Julia Fascina, Marina Purificati (Brennan), Patricia Bourgault, Melanie Purificati, Alexander Bourgault, and Juan Landriault. In addition to her many grandchildren, Maria was fortunate enough to be blessed with great grandchildren - Faith, Leland, and Tommee Kelly-Lapointe; and Liliana and Giuseppe Fascina. She will be dearly missed by the Southwind/Mesenegeeshik family. Maria will also be missed by her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Known solely as “Nonna” to all her extended family, Maria held a special place in the heart of all who met her. She made sure everyone felt welcome and at home in her presence and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She found joy at home with her family and could almost always be found entertaining in her living room chair or making espresso for company. Maria was well known for her cooking, baking, wine, and salami, but especially for her delicious bread, which would often bring the neighbourhood together. She began baking at the age of eleven with her mother and continued on baking until leaving her house for the very last time.
Maria was a strong, determined, and proud woman – while she has left a hole in the heart of all who knew her with her passing, she has left us with years of memories and life lessons that we will always treasure and hold onto.
Resting at O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James Street) where family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 4pm – 8pm. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, May 29. 2024, at St. Gregory’s Parish (71 Estelle Street) at 10:30am with Father Trevor Scarfone officiating. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Helping Hands, ARCH, or a charity of your choice and would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (215 St. James Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).