Obituary of Rita Dolores Nunziato

March 10, 1931 - Hamilton, Ontario

February 3, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Rita Nunziato, the beloved wife of the late Vincent James (Jim) Nunziato of Stoney Creek, ON, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023, in Calgary, AB at the age of 91 years. 

Rita was known for her warm smile, great sense of humor, fashion flair, and love of people. She loved enjoying good food, good wine, and being in the middle of a group of friends and/or family. 

Rita was born to the late Dominic and Mary Galoni in Hamilton, ON on March 10, 1931.  She lived with her parents on East Bend Avenue in Hamilton along with her two brothers. She attended Cathedral Girls High School and made lifelong friends there. She married Jim on August 30, 1952, and they moved to Stoney Creek, where they raised two children and became fast friends with many of their neighbours.  Rita and Jim were together for 53 years until Jim passed away on February 8, 2006. Rita stayed in Ontario until 2019, when her health was deteriorating and she moved to Calgary, AB to be closer to her family there.

Rita accomplished much through her professional live and was highly regarded as an executive secretary. She began work at the Hamilton Cotton Company and retired from her dream job at Andres Wines in Winona.

Rita was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. To say she will be missed is not enough. There will be a loving presence absent in our lives. She especially enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandson and great-grandsons lit up her smile every time she saw them in person, online, or in a photo.

Rita loved being with people. She was known for her sparkle – whether it be her love of bling, her sense of humor or love of a party.   She was kind and loving to all her friends and family.

No matter what age, Rita enjoyed dressing up.  She always looked her best and was right in fashion, no matter what was in style at the time.  Looking back at pictures of her, she looked equally good in the big skirts of the fifties, bell bottoms, shoulder pads, wild colours, or a basic ‘little black dress’.

When their children left home, Rita and Jim were able to indulge their love of travel and enjoyed trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean, England, and Italy.  They also enjoyed a fun social life, especially with their ‘Friday Night Gang’. After Jim passed away, their Friday Night Gang made sure that Rita was always able to join them.

The last two years of her life was spent at the Newport Harbour Care Centre. There she was known as “Mamma Bella” and will be remembered for her smile, sense of humor, and willingness to engage with everyone.

She is survived by her children, Diane (Phil) Tolley of Calgary, AB and John Nunziato of Thorold, ON; her grandson James (Emily) Tolley of Calgary, step-grandchildren, Cam (Heather) Tolley of Carstairs, AB, Nathan (Raya) Tolley of Calgary, and Vincent Tolley of Calgary, and adopted grandson Paul (Katrina) Ting of Calgary; and great-grandchildren, Leo and Finn, step-grandchildren, Grayson and Ellory, and adopted grandchildren, Logan and Gemma.  Rita is also survived by her brother John (Liz) Galoni of Burlington, ON.   Rita was predeceased by her spouse, Jim Nunziato of Stoney Creek, ON and her brother James Fumio of Grimsby, ON.

A Mass will be said in her honour at the Holy Name Church (2223 34 St SW, Calgary, AB T3E 2W2. Calgary, AB), on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Rita Nunziato, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.