Obituary of Giovanna Scalzo

With broken hearts we announce the passing of our most beloved mom and nonna, Giovanna Scalzo. Welcoming mom to heaven was our dad, the late Domenico Scalzo. Left with a lifetime of cherished memories are her children, Rita Gaccione, Anna Clay (Lucio Cesco) and Lina Magli (Frank). Mom’s most precious treasures were her grandchildren. She loved them profoundly and took an active role in each of their lives. She will forever be in the hearts of Jesse Gaccione, Nicholas Gaccione, Allison Pihelgas (Jari), Jennifer Clay (Eric Pino), Matthew Greco and Alexander Magli. Mom was thrilled to welcome to the world her first great grandchild, Eleanor Giovanna Pihelgas, who brought her so much joy. 

Mom was born in Calabria, Italy on October 26, 1939, to the late Francesco and the late Lina Greco. In February 1961, she left her family and friends behind and, not knowing any English, traveled on her own to Canada to marry our dad, who had moved to the Sault several years earlier. While she loved her life in Canada, she deeply missed her family in Italy. She treasured the monthly letters from her parents and siblings, who kept her updated on news from home.

Mom was the beloved eldest sister of Giuseppe (Peppino) Greco (late Maddalena), Franca Perri (Mario) and Maria Bonacci (Saverio), all of Italy, and Anna Gabriele (late Sergio), of Brampton. Treasured daughter-in-law of the late Rosa and Angelo Scalzo, and sister-in-law of the late Interzino (late Rosina), late Rachela, late Frank (Connie) and Gino (Maria). Mom held a special place in her heart for her devoted goddaughter and niece, Rosemary Lorimer (Ken). She will be lovingly remembered by her many other nieces and nephews.

Mom’s love language was food. She leaves us with treasured memories of our Sunday pasta dinners, which were always filled with laughter and lively discussions. She indulged us with delicious meals she lovingly prepared from scratch and enjoyed watching us savour her homemade ravioli, gnocchi, cappelletti, lasagna, pizza and bread. Mom was known for her beautiful smile and genuine concern for those she loved. She’d anxiously wait for a phone call from us to let her know we’d arrived home safely, whether it was after a 10-minute car ride or from a trip hundreds of miles away. Mom loved music and continued to sing her favourite Italian songs into her last days. She will always be our “Calabrisella Mia.”

We are forever grateful to the outstanding staff of the FJ Davey Home (Cedar 3), who cared for her during her four years there. Thank you for sharing your memories and photos of mom. She loved all of you deeply. Mike, Sandra, Tsitsi, Mindy, Jessica, Hardeep, Ruby, Rupy, Gee, Christa, Sunny, Amrit, Lori, Julie, Brittany, Marnie, Mel, Jaime, Barry, Cheryl, Shavani, Annie, Tammy and so many others, thank you for the kindness you’ve shown to our entire family. We also thank Dr. Blair Jarrett for his compassion and care.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758) on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  Funeral Mass to be held at St. Gerard Majella Church on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Alex Saurianthadathil officiating.  Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the FJ Davey Home would be appreciated.