Obituary of Autilia Nunziata

April 3, 1939 - Palma Campania, Naples, Italy

August 22, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Autilia Nunziata, our loving and devoted mother, Nonna and friend on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. She passed while sleeping peacefully in her home in Calgary, Alberta. Autilia was 84 remaining faithful, strong, and active throughout her life.  

Born in Palma Campaina, Napoli, Autilia experienced many significant changes. At age 20, she bravely left her parents, three sisters and brother to move to Canada to begin a life with her husband Mike, who arrived in British Columbia one year earlier. 

Imagine leaving the sunshine and warmth of Southern Italy, travelling across the ocean as a younger woman by boat, taking the train across Canada and settling in a small remote CPR camp in Glacier National Park, BC eventually moving to Revelstoke to join Mike’s brother Dominic and family. Autilia was an incredibly resilient woman and rarely complained.   

Autilia and Mike owned and operated a small Italian grocery store in the inner city of Calgary, while raising two busy boys. They nurtured a sense of community among the numerous Italian immigrant families- lasting friendships and relations were made. Thirteen years later, the family moved to Silver Springs where Autilia resided for nearly 50 years, even after her husband sadly passed 30 years ago. She continued to work until her last day prudently managing the family’s real estate holdings. Autilia lived a full life as a sister, wife, mother, Nonna and entrepreneur. 

She loved to cook and to entertain family and friends, as everyone looked forward to her delicious lasagne and gnocchi with her special homemade tomato sauce. Hungry or not, anyone who walked through her door had to eat before leaving. She kept an immaculate home and was an amazing seamstress. Her green thumb was legendary, and her garden is an impressive mix of beautiful colorful flowers and fresh tasteful vegetables.  

Most of all she loved her family including her late husband Mike, her two sons, Tony (Deb) and John (Anna); as well as her four grandchildren, Jamie, Jordan, Michael, and Marie. She kept in touch with her family in Italy and Toronto and looked forward to their visits. Autilia is also survived by her three sisters, who reside in Italy, Orsola, Flora and Gemma Maffettone; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. 

Besides her devoted husband Mike, Autilia was predeceased by her parents, Antonio Maffettone and Bosone Adelian; and her only brother Generoso Maffettone who passed suddenly less than two months ago.  

Autilia modeled the importance of working hard, handling problems gracefully, and acting with kindness and generosity. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

As an expression of sympathy, donations made be made in Autilia’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Cara mamma, riposa in pace.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on August 30, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on August 31, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Everyone is invited to attend the services. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Autilia’s family here.

In living memory of Autilia Nunziata, 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.