Obituary of Maddalena Pacchiano

PACCHIANO, Maddalena (nee L’Amarca)

April 29, 1933 – Marigliano, Italy

July 27, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

 

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of a beautiful soul, Maddalena Pacchiano, of Calgary, AB on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at the age of 89. Maddalena was born in Marigliano, Napoli (Italy) on April 29, 1933.

 

Maddalena immigrated to Calgary in 1959 with her parents and siblings, and lived in her home in Mountview for 55 years, up until her passing. Maddalena had a very difficult life filled with the enormity of raising 4 children alone. She did not speak English, she had no financial assistance, and during a time when women were not as empowered as they are now. But that never deterred her from forging forward and providing for her family as best she could. No one knew her burden because Maddalena chose to be happy and enjoy life. She had her moments but endured them one day at a time. She didn’t have very much, but what she did have she shared with everyone. On many occasions throughout the years, she would visit her special sister, Anna, in Vancouver and spread her zest for life on the west coast. The two of them together were double trouble, playing jokes on people and each other, leaving them laughing so hard they almost cried. They were an unstoppable force and loved each other dearly. Maddalena loved her children and grandchildren dearly and showed everyone her photo brag books.

 

Maddalena made many friends everywhere she went. Her home was a revolving door for anyone who wanted a fantastic homemade Italian dinner. She was most famous for her polpette and bragiole, gnocchi, lasagna, and giant ravioli. Her baked goods were also delicious, but it was her Italian booze cake that was in high demand and doused in alcohol. When not in the kitchen cooking up a storm, she spent countless hours in the garden tending to her vegetables, beautiful flowers, and apple trees.  Maddalena enjoyed hosting Italian card nights in her home with friends and family. But in the later years, the slot machines at the Casino were her favourite guilty pleasure. Even with her health declining rapidly during the last few months, her eyes would light up when Phyllis offered to take her to the Casino.

 

Maddalena is survived by her beloved children and their spouses, Rose (George), Phyllis, Joe (Mary), and Tony (Carol). She was the best Nonna ever to her grandchildren, Antonio, Tamara, Alexia, Isabella and Nicolas.

 

She is survived by her siblings Maria DeBlasio, Michelangelo L’Amarca, and Anna Horvath; her brothers-in-law, Alfredo DeBlasio, Pasquale Mautone, and Angelo Pacchiano (Sandra); sisters-in-law, Louise L’Amarca, and Maria Buonincontri; as well as many nieces, nephews, and her dear friend Sandine who was always there to help her whenever she could.

 

Maddalena was predeceased by her parents, Antonio and Antonietta L'Amarca; sisters, Felicetta (Luigi Riccio), Rosa (Carmine Grossi), and Teresa Mautone; brothers, Frank, and Giuseppe L’Amarca; brothers-in-law, Frank Horvath, and Antonio Buonincontri; and sisters-in-law, Rosetta L’Amarca, and Felicetta Giugliano (Fillipo).

 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and our deepest gratitude for the exceptional care provided by all the medical staff at Foothills and Peter Lougheed Hospitals, Dr. Katherine Savoia, and Barb, and all the Care Givers at Bayshore Health, especially Mitchie, and Janeth (Case Manager-AHS) for all their support and care during this difficult time. All the health care professionals are our angels on earth, taking care of our most precious loved ones and will forever be appreciated.

 

In living memory of Maddalena Pacchiano, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, NW Calgary.

 

If Roses Grow in Heaven

 

If roses grow in heaven Lord,

please pick a bunch for me,

Place them in my Mother’s arms

and tell her they’re from me.

 

Tell her I love her and miss her,

and when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek

and hold her for a while.

 

Because remembering her is easy,

I do it every day,

But there’s an ache within my heart,

that will never go away.

~By Delores M Garcia

 

Click Here to View Maddalena Pacchiano's Memorial Card