Obituary of Florinda DI MARZO (nee Cecere)

March 29, 1938 – Bonefro, Campobasso, Italy
January 8, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Florinda DiMarzo, beloved wife of Nicolino, passed quietly in her sleep on Friday, January 8, 2021 at the age of 82 years.

The world was a better place having had Florinda in it. She was a brilliant and hard working woman. She welcomed anyone, and everyone who came to her home as if she had known them forever. And once you were there, you were family.

Florinda was not only the foundation of her own family, but became the foundation of her extended family as well.

She was a proud Mother and the proudest Nonna. Each of her six grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Her Tesoro! They were her joy. She supported them, defended them, fed them, and loved them, fiercely. And just when she thought it couldn’t get better, she became a Great-Nonna twice!

Florinda had many, many gifts, but what we will miss most is gathering at the family table enjoying her cooking. If you heard the words “I gonna make a little something,” you were going to be full for the rest of the week. There was always a little “something” ready to go. As our families grew, so did her reputation. No one turned down an invitation to dinner at Nonna’s house. She knew everyone’s likes and dislikes and cooked accordingly. We have never had mushrooms because Dan doesn’t like them. T-bone steaks disappeared from the menu after Dom disclosed they were over rated. Vegan sauce for Cassaundra, a separate pot of Pasta Fagioli with no beans for Noah, and when she served her sponge cake, soaked in Liqueur, with ice cream and raspberries, Sue and Lesley knew they’d gone to heaven.

Florinda is survived by her loving husband Nick, her sons, Domenico (Susan) and Donato (Lesley); her six grandchildren, Cassaundra (Matt), Jade (Logan), Marissa, Nicolas (Jenny), Derek, and Noah; as well as her two cherished, and beloved great-grandchildren, Malyck and Sofia. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Luigi DiMarzo (Charlotte), sister-in-law Anne DiMarzo, and many nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada and Italy.

Florinda was predeceased by her parents, Donato and Luisella Cecere; her father and mother–in-law, Domenico and Antonietta DiMarzo; her two brothers, Francesco and Nicolino; brothers-in-law, Vincenzo Colabella and Biagio DiMarzo; and sisters-in-law, Sabina Cecere, Carolina Colabella and Maria King.

She had many, long time, cherished friends who spent many hours on the phone with her. Our special thanks go to Domenica Columbo and Santarella Collabella who provided such great comfort to her at the end of her life.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a Viewing at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Please note: Due to COVID restrictions only 10 people at a time will be allowed in.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Florinda’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, and in keeping with Florinda’s generous spirit, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

In living memory of Florinda Di Marizo, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.