Obituary of Maria Benincasa

BENINCASA, Maria (nee Iervella). Born August 5, 1933, Maria, beloved wife of fifty years to Costantino (“Gus”), passed away at the Agapé Hospice on May 5th, 2008 after a lengthy and courageous battle with myelofibrosis. Maria also leaves to cherish her memory three loving children, Sandra (Orazio) Falconi, Joanna (Louis) Greco, and Rob Benincasa and his wife, Karen Crocker. One of the greatest joys of Maria’s life was her four grandchildren: Laura (Mark) Spoletini; Mario (Kelly) Falconi; Jennifer Greco; and Jessica Greco and most recently, a great-grandson, Austin Falconi. There isn’t a better “nonna” in the world and their love for her is everlasting. Maria was born in Teramo, Italy and immigrated to Calgary in 1958. She was the first of her family to arrive in Canada, and one by one, welcomed her sister Veronica (Urbano) Paccagnan and her brothers: Valentino (Silvana) Iervella; Gabriel (Anna Maria) Iervella; Franco (Maria) Iervella; and Tony (Mary Jo) Iervella. Maria was predeceased by her parents, Francesco and Rosalbina Iervella and a sister, Lidia (Rino) Serpentini. She also leaves behind one sister (Laura Iervella) in Italy and many loving nieces and nephews and dear friends who cherished her warm and giving spirit. Maria worked very hard all her life and one of her greatest passions was cooking for her family and friends. She was a remarkable cook who fed anyone that stopped by. Maria also very much enjoyed and treasured her many trips to Las Vegas. She had a very full and busy life; one with many blessings. Enormous gratitude is expressed to the following for their excellent care: Dr. Karen Valentine and all the wonderful staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre; the Palliative Care Team, who provided immeasurable support to the family; and to the many caring professionals and volunteers at the Agapé Hospice for their devotion and exceptional compassion. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (1714 – 14 Avenue N.E.) on Friday, May 9th at 10:30 a.m. As requested by Maria, a private service will be held for immediate family at the Queen’s Park Mausoleum immediately following Mass. If friends so desire, donations may be made directly to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 (Telephone 403-282-6588). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Maria Benincasa, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH. Telephone: 403-276-2296.