Maria Piotto

Obituary of Maria Piotto

December 18, 1933 – February 10, 2023

Maria Dal Monte was born to her parents Giovanni Dal Monte and Marina Baggio Dal Monte, on a very cold winter’s day in the beautiful Italian city of Bassano del Grappa located in the Veneto Region of Italy.

She would often tell stories about growing up in WWII Italy as a child and shared the challenges that she and her family endured during war-torn Europe. Her stories usually had a funny twist to them that spoke to her curious and mischievous nature, such as the time when she and her friends borrowed some of the soldiers’ bicycles that were parked nearby. The girls cycled away as fast as they could having the soldiers chase them only to realize that they couldn’t stop because the bicycles had no brakes, and they were not wearing any shoes. As the war ended and the years passed, Maria met her future husband, Angelo Piotto. Angelo was from a nearby town and had the great vision to travel to Canada to find his fortune. He left in 1957 and sent for his fiancée, Maria two years later.

 

Maria had an adventurous personality and could not wait to leave 1950’s Italy to join her soon-to-be husband for the New World – Canada. Angelo sent her a ticket to cross the Atlantic and meet him in Calgary, where he had settled to make a home in anticipation of the arrival of his bride. Known for her beauty and elegance, Maria won the beauty pageant on the Olympia during her passage to Canada, and on May 2, 1959, landed at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Maria wondered what she was thinking leaving Italy when she saw the dirt roads and wooden sidewalks in her new home country. Maria arrived in Canada with 5 dollars in her pocket and gave the money to a fellow-traveller who had no money and faced a long train ride across the country with no provisions. Her generous nature continued throughout her life, always helping those in need. As she continued her journey west by propeller airplane, stopping in each major Canadian city, Maria saw the striking landscapes and bustling modern cities and knew that she had made the right choice. Maria finally arrived in Calgary and into the arms of Angelo. They were married on May 9, 1959, at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

 

Over the next 12 years, Maria and Angelo lovingly embraced the arrival of their three children, John Valli, Paolo Claudio and Marina Susan and travelled back and forth between Canada and Italy. Maria travelled the world and enjoyed extraordinary experiences and a wonderful life with her family and friends. The houses in both Calgary and Italy were always filled with laughter and loved ones. Maria and Angelo celebrated the marriages of their children John (Maria), Paolo (Rita) and Marina (Paul).

 

Maria and Angelo proudly welcomed their grandchildren David, Katelyn (Colton), Paul Spencer, Victor, Tomas and years later after having been widowed, Maria joyously welcomed grandchildren Christian and Francesca and great-grandchildren Ellie and Maverick.

 

Maria is survived by her family in Italy including her youngest brother, Vittorio, her sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers Luigi, Domenico and Giovanni (Nino).

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church (1714 - 14 Avenue NE, Calgary) on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. There will be a viewing prior to the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am, where friends are welcome to pay their respects. At her request, Maria will be cremated and laid to rest with Angelo in Italy later this year. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Piotto’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If you so desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice. 

Many thanks to all of the friends who visited and kept Maria in their prayers. A special thanks to the team at Amica Britannia for their loving care. 

Ciao Mamma. Eri veramente splendida.

In living memory of Maria Piotto, 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.

 

Click Here to View Maria Piotto's Memorial Card

 

Thank you for joining us for the live streaming of this event 
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Thursday
16
February

Funeral Mass

10:30 am
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Mary Mother of the Redeem
1714 14 Ave NE
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(403) 276-1689
There will be a viewing prior to the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am, where friends are welcome to pay their respects.
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Maria