Obituary of Fiorina Rizzo

Passed away suddenly at the Sault Area Hospital from a bacterial infection on Monday November 21, 2022, at the age of 90. Her oldest son, Gino and youngest grandson, Domenic were with her as God embraced her and took her from us.  Beloved wife of the late Ernesto.  Adored mother of Gino (Margaret), Maria (Costa) and Armando (Shelley). Cherished Nonna of Domenic Rizzo, Alexandra and Jonathan Katsouleas and Jeremy and Amanda Rizzo. Daughter of the late Rosario Roppo Valente and the late Rosaria (nee Pino). Sister of late Emilia, late Alfredo (late Adelina), Emma (late (Chico) Francesco) and Maria (late Gaspare). Sister-in-law of the late Eugenio Rizzo (late Maria), late Ermerinda Bennardo (late Francesco) and the late Peppe Rizzo. 

Zia to Rosaria Grisi, Verona Italy, Francesco Bennardo, Modesto Bennardo, late Armando Bennardo, and Antonio Bennardo all of Aiello, Calabria, Italy. Zia to late Ida Palermo (Gigino), Cosenza Italy, late Orlando Rizzo (Connie), Alfredo Rizzo (late Paula), Amadeo Rizzo (Sharon) all of SSM. Aunt and great Aunt to many other nieces and nephews in Italy, SSM, Edmonton and Montreal and cousin to many as well. A welcoming and dedicated neighbour and a generous and amazing friend to many.  Her door was always open to all of them, ready to share a coffee and a few stories.

Fiorina was born on October 7, 1932 in Aiello Calabria, Italy.  She was married on April 29, 1955 and together with her husband Ernesto, immigrated to Canada in April 1959 and settled immediately in the Bayview neighbourhood of Sault Ste. Marie where she was a fulltime homemaker, devoted wife and mother and passionate gardener.  On July 9, 1975 she obtained her Canadian citizenship.

Fiorina lost her life partner, Ernesto on March 15, 1991 and it was her unwavering strength, resilience, her love of the earth and her extraordinary love and pride for her children and grandchildren that carried her for the next 31 and a half years.  Fiorina’s last year of life brought heart and back pain challenges that she courageously battled until her sudden passing on Nov 21.  Our hearts ache for her but we are at peace knowing that she is pain free now and that she is back in the arms of her beloved Ernesto. A truly kind and sweet lady, she will forever live in our hearts.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Monday, November 28, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 pm. Chapel service to follow immediately at 1:00 p.m. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. The family is extremely grateful for the loving care and compassion that Fiorina received from the Emergency nurses and doctors at the Sault Area Hospital.  Memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Complex Continuing Care Fund or ARCH hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family..