Obituary of Maria Margherita Pardi

January 14, 1930 – San Buono, Italy
September 30, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Maria Pardi (nee Cupaiulo) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the age of 93 years.

Maria was born in a small village called Furci, near the Adriatic coast of Italy on January 14, 1930. She was the oldest of four siblings. Maria married Angelo Pardi, in Furci, Italy, in October 1953. Maria and Angelo had two children: son Dom, born in 1954 and daughter, Angela in 1959. Maria and her children immigrated to Germany in 1961, to join her husband already there, preparing a new life for their family abroad. In 1966 the whole family moved again. This time immigrating to Winnipeg, Canada, where she brought her parents from Italy to join her, soon after. Family was Maria’s life. A life she devoted to loving, caring, and providing for her children and her parents, under the same roof in their home in Winnipeg.

Maria worked at the Catelli food factory, until she injured her back at work and became disabled. Maria worked tirelessly throughout her life and accomplished a lot. But the thing that she cherished most and was particularly proud of, were her children and her four grandchildren. 

Maria loved and had an absolute passion for cooking. She and Angelo also loved camping and fishing, often. They took full advantage of all the numerous, beautiful lakes and fishing holes near them in Manitoba. Maria’s sister Domenica and her family lived very close by. The two families were often together, hosting and enjoying each other’s cooking and company.

Maria’s most memorable vacation, was when she and Angelo, went to Italy with their son and his family, to revisit Italy and particularly Furci, her childhood village, where she grew up. 

Maria was a very wise and encouraging person. Her favourite saying was, “You like, you do!” Her message being, don’t put off too long, to do the things you dream of doing.

She will be most remembered for her love for Jesus, her spontaneous breaking into Italian songs at family get togethers, and her incredible cooking. Especially her homemade pizzas, tortellini soup and pastas.

Maria is survived by her daughter Angela and son-in-law Gene Venini, of Calgary, AB; her grandsons, Ryan, Royce and Remy, of Calgary, AB; her son Dom Pardi and daughter-in-law Catherine; her granddaughter Jennifer and husband Evan Cusick, of Denver, CO; her nieces, Eva Ricottone and Gloria Napady (Tom), of Winnipeg, MB and Maria Kokoris (Chris) and Rita Hafouri (Carlos) of Australia; as well as great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Maria was predeceased by her husband Angelo, her brother Carmine (Charlie) of Sydney, AU, her sisters, Angela of Sydney, AU and Domenica of Winnipeg, MB.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the Calgary Petroleum Club (319 – 5th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB). Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Maria’s family here.

In living memory of Maria Pardi, 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.