Obituary of Annunziata (Carmela) MAUTONE (nee Filzi)

March 25, 1931 – Marigliano, Naples, Italy
January 22, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved mother, Annunziata (Carmela) Mautone of natural causes on Friday, January 22, 2021, just shy of her 90th birthday.

Annunziata was born on March 25, 1931 in a small town called Marigliano not far from Naples, Italy. Mom married on February 14, 1960 to Vito Mautone, who predeceased her on April 30, 2004. They came to Canada in July 1968 by ship with their son Lazzaro and daughter Maddalena, landed at Pier 13 in Halifax, Newfoundland, and then travelled by train to Calgary, with their health and suitcases containing their belongings. As with many immigrant families that moved from their country of birth to a new land our parents came to Canada hoping for a better life and future. They came undeterred, with limited resources, facing a new culture, and a new language, so that their family could thrive, achieve, and aspire for something better. It was not easy and in the early years Mom worked at multiple jobs in a day; her husband worked just as hard to provide for the family. They created a warm, loving, happy home full of laughter and love. It was a hard life with the language barrier, but the family managed to thrive and succeed.

Mom was a strong woman who fought all the way to the end. She took care of her family, loved them dearly, and always had a friendly and kind word to say to everyone. She loved being in the sun and sitting on her balcony in Bridgeland, saying hello to people as they passed by. She was a fixture; everyone who lived in the neighborhood knew her. She deeply appreciated the outdoors, her garden, and her flowers.

In the final years of her life, Mom resided at Amica Britannia Senior Living on Elbow Drive where they took care of her and made sure that her life was comfortable. She was always strolling around with her walker and sitting in the bistro up until the COVID-19 virus protocols caused changes. Mom liked talking with and seeing people. Although there was a language issue, she always managed to make friends. If you could not find Mom in the bistro or in her room, she would be sitting in her favorite chair in the hallway near the elevator watching people go by and saying “Hi”. Everyone knew who Carmela was even if she did not know them. The family thanks the staff at Amica Britannia that cared for her and maintained Mom’s dignity as a person. Thank you also to the doctors and staff (especially Nurse Sheila and Dr. Stephanie Iannattone) at the Peter Lougheed Hospital who took care of Mom in her final days. God bless you.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Vito Mautone in 2004, her grandson Gianpaolo Vito Mautone in 2000, and many friends and family.

She is survived by: her son Lazzaro, his wife Alba Apuzzo, and granddaughter Carmela Maria; her daughter Maddalena, husband John, granddaughter Margaret Anna, and great-granddaughter Rhey Marjanne; her brother Saverio Filzi, his wife Anna, children Maria and Federico, and their children, all of Calgary; her sister Giannina Ariola, her children Antonietta, Giovanni, Federico and Maria, all of New York, USA; her brothers in Italy, Pasquale Filzi, his children Maria and Federico; and Carmine Filzi, his wife Louisa, children Federico and Fabio; and many other in-laws, nieces and nephews in Italy.

Given current COVID-19 challenges mass is limited to family only. We thank you for your understanding and for your condolences. A Private Graveside Service will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery following Mass at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church.  Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Carmela’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. The service will be recorded for later viewing and added to Mom’s obituary.  In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to one of Mom’s charities, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, #204, 1608 – 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0E3 Telephone: (403) 255-7100, www.jdrf.ca

The family thanks you all and wishes God’s blessings upon you and your families both now and into the future. Take care and be safe.

In living memory of Annunziata Mautone, 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.