Obituary of Teresa "Vittoria" FERRARO (nee Caridi)

May 21, 1935 – Pietrapennata, Italy
January 13, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother Teresa “Vittoria” Ferraro of Calgary, AB, who passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at the age of 85 years.

Vittoria was born in Pietrapennata, Reggio Calabria, Italy on May 21, 1935. Vittoria married Gildo Ferraro in February of 1958. They resided in Pietrapennata, Italy, raising two daughters and farming their land until November 1967, when they along with their daughters left Italy to embark on a journey for a better life in Canada. There they would reunite with extended family in Montreal and later in Calgary where they settled and welcomed their third daughter. 

Vittoria’s number one priority was always family. She always made time for everyone and loved having friends over for visits. The coffee was always on and made strong, just like bonds made throughout the years. Vittoria was very committed to her faith and spent much time volunteering at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, including being a member of the choir that she adored. Vittoria delighted in cooking and baking, and there were always delicious meals and desserts to be enjoyed by her loved ones. Some of her other favourite hobbies included needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, and playing bingo. Gildo & Vittoria won numerous awards within the Italian community for their traditional “Tarantella” dancing. Vittoria was also an avid animal lover, from her early childhood pets to the family cat, and even the pets of her grandchildren. 

Vittoria will be most remembered for her infectious smile and her passion for her children and grandchildren.

Vittoria is survived by her three daughters, Antonietta (Frank) Bonafede, Orsola (Peter) De Marco, and Giuseppina (Reno) Moccia; and her seven grandchildren, Angelo Bonafede, Vittoria Bonafede, Saverio De Marco, Jildana De Marco (George Guerra), Matteo De Marco, Maria Alessia Moccia and Michela Moccia. She was predeceased by her husband Gildo Ferraro, parents, Orsola Maisano and Leonardo Caridi; brother Pasquale Caridi, sister Paola Pellicano, and brother-in-law Paolo Pellicano.

A Private Family Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of The Redeemer Parish and Vittoria will be laid to rest at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Vittoria’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Foothills Medical Centre - Unit 42, Intercare Brentwood Care Centre, St. Marguerite Manor and Revera-The Edgemont for their kindness and excellent care.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Vittoria’s name may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. 

In living memory of Vittoria Ferraro, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.