Obituary of Anna Maria Parrella-Ilaria

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anna Maria Parrella-Ilaria (nee Giosa) on Friday, March 14, 2014, in her 80th year. Anna is survived by her husband of 62 years, Antonio Parrella-Ilaria, children Maria (Mark Dunn), Dominic (Laurel) and granddaughter Mercedes. Daughter of the late Maria Antonia Marsico and Alessio Giosa, Picerno, Italy. Sister of Angela Amelio (late Frank) of Oakville, Nicola Giosa (Donata) of Etobicoke; Assunta (late Stefano Curcio) and Teresa (late Nicola Potenza) of Picerno, Italy, Maria (late Giuseppe Capece) of Montevideo Uruguay, the late Joe Giosa (late Donatella) Sault Ste. Marie, the late Salvatore Giosa (late Catarina), Toronto. Sister-in-law of Tommaso and Carmela Parrella-Ilaria, Sault Ste. Marie. Special aunt to Rocchina (late Giuseppe (Joe) Parrella-Ilaria), Maria Borrelli (Carmen) of Sault Ste. Marie; Maria Dawson (Phillip) of Sudbury; the late Tony Giosa (Jayne); Alex Giosa (Filomena),Tony Giosa, Rocco Giosa (Linda), Roque Panza-Giosa (Lynn Beltrandi), all of Toronto, Rosalia Panza (Nelson Danese) of Montevideo. Very special Great-Aunt to many, esp. Tom Parrella (Jennifer), Ricky Parrella (Shannon), Cindy Parrella, Gianni Borrelli (Jennifer), Tanya Borrelli (Ross Farrell), Adriana Borrelli (Kevin Kairiss) all of Sault Ste. Marie.　 Born in Picerno, Italy, on March 11, 1934, into a family of eight brothers and sisters, Anna came to Canada in 1958 with her husband and young son. Known for her fabulous vegetable and flower garden, unmatched baking, and boundless generosity, Anna was the life of every party. She worked at the Davey Home for the Aged as the Pastry Chef for close to 20 years and prided herself on making bread from scratch and birthday cakes for each of the residents. In the 90's she provided the legendary baked goods featured in her daughter's venture, the Fireball Café. She loved hunting for mushrooms in the fall, blueberries in the late summer and enjoyed many years working on her fabulous gardens out at her camp at Red Rock/Lakeshore Dr. She especially loved the many children in her life, especially her many great-great nieces and nephews; her greatest sorrow was not having more opportunities to get to know her sole granddaughter, Mercedes. Despite years of ill health, she had an intense love of life and a determination to make the best of even the most difficult situation. She was an inspiration to us all and her passing has altered our world forever. Friends may call at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Centre (942 Great Northern Road 705-945-7758) on Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral mass to be held at Precious Blood Cathedral on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m with Father Ignatius Xavier officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Kidney Foundation would be appreciated by the family.The family would like to thank Dr. Shafiee and the nurses and staff of 3B and 3C medical units of the Sault Area Hospital, especially Kelly, Amy, Lexie, Carol, Sherry, and Tracey, for their compassion and many acts of kindness toward our beloved Anna.