RACHELA CANTAFIO (FIORENTINO) -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RACHELA CANTAFIO (nee FIORENTINO) 1927 - 2002 It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved mother at the age of 74, on Friday, August 30, 2002, at the Victoria Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband Antonio on May 3, 2002, as well as her mother, Giusepina Fiorentino, father Gregorio Fiorentino, mother-in-law Maria Granata Cantafio, father-in-law Domenico Cantafio, brother-in-law Guido Cantafio, brother-in-law Tony Torchia, and son-in-law Jim Barthlette. She will be remembered with great love by her children, Wanda, Albina (Frank) and Dominic (Silvana) her brothers, Mario (Angie), Joe (Adrian), Frank (Mary) as well as six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was born on November 13,1927 in Amato, Italy. Rachela and Antonio were childhood sweethearts, as inseparable in life, as they now are in death. The last six years were extremely taxing for our Mom, for they were spent looking after our Dad who required constant care due to his struggle with diabetes. She guarded him and insisted on being his main caregiver (to the dismay of the homecare workers). Mom loved spending time with all her grandchildren, Anthony the youngest, she spoiled rotten and she enjoyed doing it. She enjoyed having her family and friends around her, whether for holiday gatherings, just going for walks, or going to the supermarket. Every spring brought with it her ritual of bringing out her tomato plants (which she had planted from seed) and carefully planning and planting the garden. She worried about her tomato plants getting enough water and could be found most evenings in the garden insuring that they were all well watered and pruned. Mom was an expert seamstress and was always willing to sew whether it was for her own family or the friends who would come and ask her to hem this, or mend that. She loved taking the bus to go shopping at the Bay, and stroll around downtown, but her best days were spent with her husband on their trips back home to Italy. She always talked about the places they had been to, and the family members they had spent time with. We would like to thank the Victoria Hospital and the doctors and nurses from ICU who cared for her and patiently gave us daily updates. Prayers will be said on Tuesday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave.. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m. also at the church with Rev. Fr. Sam Argenziano presiding. Entombment to follow at the Chapel of Eternal Memories Mausoleum, 1501 Waverley Street. Pallbearers will be Joe Fiorentino, Greg Fiorentino, Pasquale Aiello, Al Cordova, Greg Florentino and Rob Kocian. If friends so desire, donations in Rachelas memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 101-310 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2002