VESUVIA CONCETTA CANTAFIO ( MAZZA)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

VESUVIA CONCETTA CANTAFIO ( MAZZA) Peacefully on June 24th, 2010 at St. Joseph's Residence with family at her side, at the age of 93, our dear Mamma went home to the Lord. This day being the birth date, of her own beloved father, Alfonso Mazza. She was predeceased by her loving husband Roberto and brothers, Domenico, Giovanni, and Gaetano. She leaves to mourn her daughters, Serafina (Frank) Loschiavo, Aurora (Richard) Scerbo, Pasqualina (Vance) Clarke and her son Joseph (Daniele) Cantafio, 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, numerous godchildren and many lifelong friends in Italy, Canada, USA and Mexico. Concetta was born in Amato, Catanzaro Italy where early in life she developed her strong and spiritual character that sustained her through a life of challenges and accomplishments. She had a significant impact on all who met her and was held in high esteem for her strength of Character, her love for Humanity, and her dedication to Family and Friends. Her strong Devotion to our Lord Jesus, the Blessed Mother and her ever protective St. Francesco di Paola all provided her with personal blessings and miracles throughout her long Life. At 19, she survived the German Fever and later, numerous serious operations that would have taken a less-protected person. Mamma's strong faith sustained her throughout her life giving her inner strength which enabled the whole family to be blessed by her prayers and caring love. Always she would remind us, With Gods love, all things are possible . As one of Winnipeg's Pioneers Mamma and Papa sponsored many families to emigrate from Amato. These same people routinely tell their children of their gratitude. In the community, without any formal education she was a political force to be reckoned with. She organized support for the construction of the Villa Cabrini Seniors Residence, against City Hall opposition and later was given the honour of breaking ground for its construction. She was a catalyst for change, even writing letters to George Bush and Tony Blair. Receiving responses and a thank you card from Tony Blair. Mamma felt especially honoured after sending Pope John Paul a letter and a birthday card along with money for a cake. His response was an invitation to his winter residence, outside of Rome. She was thrilled to take two pilgrimages to Fatima and the Holy Land. Mamma because of her special lifelong bond with the Blessed Mother built a Shrine to the Blessed Mother at their Matlock beach property where the community would gather annually for mass to worship and feast. Her Life was further enriched by her long association with the Mexican people of Mazatlan who embraced her and Papa because of their generosity, compassion and love. You could always find her in her garden or kitchen singing God's praises and she was a wonderful individual who was an inspiration to everyone that she touched. She leaves a Legacy of Love that will endure for generations to come. Consistent with her strong feminine character she will be carried to her final resting place by her granddaughters, Teresa, Adeline, Vesuvia, Concetta, Franca, Michelle, Meriana and Andréa. Prayer services to be held at Holy Rosary Parish, 510 River on Tuesday, June 29th at 7:30 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 30th at 10:00 a.m. presided by Rev. Father Sam R. Argenziano with entombment to follow at Waverley Memorial Gardens (Mausoleum) at 1501 Waverly St. In lieu of flowers and by special request you are welcomed to take time before the end of this year to help someone less fortunate in any way you see fit, and TO ALWAYS SAY YOUR PRAYERS. The family would like to thank the management and staff of St. Joseph's Residence and especially Dr. Terry Babick, for the Love, Care and Compassion shown to our Mamma. Sarei Sempre con noi, In my Father's house there are many mansions. I go and prepare a place for you . Salute a Papa, Nonno Alfonso e Nanna Serafina e tutti e defunti.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2010