Obituary of Matilde Giacchetta

August 8, 1933 - Sessano, Italy

April 19, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Donata “Matilde” Giacchetta, of Calgary, AB, on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the age of 89 years.

Matilde will be lovingly remembered by her children, Aldo (Luciana), Luciano (Caroline), Angelo (Sandie), and Silvano (Trish); grandchildren, Antonella, Daniel, Brandi (Kelly), Holly (Kyle), Kelsey (Dave), Brandon (Amanda), Brittney (Rehman), Cinzia (Bryce), Rees, and Eliot; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Brooklyn, Allison, and Jacob; as well as numerous distant relatives and friends. She will also be dearly missed by her friends and staff at Brentwood Care Centre. Matilde was predeceased by her parents, Olimpio and Assunta Altieri (nee Valerio); and her husband Carmine.

Matilde was born on August 8, 1933, in Sessano, del Molise, Italy, and immigrated to Canada with her four sons in 1969, to join her husband, Carmine. The trip from Napoli to Halifax was a long and treacherous journey by ship. Matilde and her sons then took a train to Edmonton, and finally a Greyhound bus to Calgary, where they were reunited with Carmine.

Matilde and Carmine together created a life full of love. Matilde loved to cook, and nothing made her happier than hosting her children and grandchildren for large family meals. She took special pride in filling her cantina with homemade tomato sauce. Matilde also enjoyed tending to the garden with her husband, taking joy in picking and sharing the produce she grew.

Matilde will be greatly missed and forever remembered. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Brentwood Care Centre, Foothills Hospital, and Peter Lougheed Centre.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Joseph Catholic Church (640 – 19th Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church (640 – 19th Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Mausoleum. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Matilde Giacchetta, 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.