Obituary of Maria Montefresco

MARIA MONTEFRESCO, of Calgary, passed away peacefully at the Peter Lougheed Centre on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 after a courageous battle with CADASIL, at the age of 57 years. She was born on October 21, 1950, in Acri Cosenza, Italy. After the early passing of her mother in 1957, she later immigrated with her brother Francesco to Canada in 1962, to join their father. In 1969, she met and married the love of her life Giovanni. Together they shared three beautiful children, two daughters and a son, all whom Maria took great pride in devoting her life to. Her family was without a doubt of the utmost importance and a joy to Maria. Everyone recognized that she was an amazing cook and enjoyed nothing more than to entertain a house full of family and friends. Her inner strength allowed her to go above and beyond for everyone and working hard was in her nature. With a smile on her face and a warm loving heart, she greeted everyone with open arms. Besides her husband Giovanni, she leaves behind her daughter Serafina and son-in-law Chris Yuzicapi, her daughter Francesca, and her son Antonio and daughter-in-law Samantha. She will be especially missed by her grandchildren, Alyssa, Tayla, Faith, Levi, Earl, Jayden and her unborn grandson. Maria is also survived by the loving mother who raised her Annunziata Perri, her brother Aurelio (Andrea) Perri, her brother-in-law Guiseppe (Lorna) Montefresco all of Calgary. As well very dear to her heart was her mother-in-law Serafina Succurro, her brother-in-law Gildo (Angela) Montefresco, and brother-in-law Saverio (Anna) Montefresco all of Cosenza, Italy. She will be greatly missed by her Aunt and Uncle Giuseppina & Frank Secreti (who loved Maria like a daughter). Maria had nine nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and countless cousins both in Canada and Italy. She was predeceased by her mother Francesca Fusaro, her father Fedele Perri and her brother Francesco Perri. Maria’s smile, her loving nature and genuine kindness for others, will forever live in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. You were so tired and now your suffering is over and with us we take only loving memories of your beautiful soul. May you rest in peace sweet angel. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Ida (Carmine) Fusaro, Teresa (Pasquale) Imperato and the many other family and friends for all their kindness and generosity throughout this difficult time. Her family would like to thank Dr. Wes Jackson, Dr. Bhanji, Dr. Hughes, Dr. Wakefield, Dr. Marr and the many other doctors, nurses and caregivers who tended to her throughout her illness. In lieu of flowers, those who wish, can make a donation to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955-8818 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at McInnis & Holloway’s Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North), on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Italian & English Catholic Church (1714 – 14th Avenue N.E.), on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. George Puramadathil. Graveside service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In loving memory of Maria Montefresco, 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.