Obituary of Maria Chilelli

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Maria on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the age of 76. She leaves behind her devoted husband Rino, her partner and greatest love for 59 years. Together they built a life centred on faith, family, loyalty, and love. Maria was a deeply loved mother to Joe Chilelli (Christine) and Emily Maxwell (Thomas). She was an adoring Nanna to Victoria, Andrew, Noah, and Nathan. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Whether gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories, or simply being together, Maria found her greatest happiness in caring for the people she loved.

Born on February 18, 1950, in Domanico, Italy, Maria was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Teresa Napoletano and daughter-in-law of the late Vincenco and Rosa Chilelli. She immigrated to Canada in 1956 and carried her Italian roots proudly in the way she loved others with generosity, warmth, and through food, family, and hospitality. No one ever left Maria’s home hungry, and feeding others was one of the purest ways she expressed love.

Maria shared a beautiful bond with her sister and best friend Lena Scornaienchi (late Alfonso). She was a cherished sister-in-law to the late Maria Capy (late Ermanno), late John Chilelli (late Rita), late Frank Chilelli (Rosetta), late Tony Chilelli (Rita), Alda Gualtieri (late Mimmo) and Dino Chilelli (late Alice). She held close relationships with her many nieces, nephews, godchildren, aunts, uncles, and treasured friends, all of whom enriched her life deeply. The coffee crew will miss her greatly.

Her faith was the foundation of who she was. Maria loved Jesus with all her heart and lived her faith quietly but fully each day. A devoted member of St. Gregory's Parish, she formed many meaningful friendships through the church community and the organizations she faithfully served alongside over the years.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory’s Parish (71 Estelle St.) at 1:00 p.m. with Father Trevor Scarfone officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum to follow. Memorial donations to the SAH Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the Sault Ste Marie Paramedic Services and the Emergency Room Staff at Sault Area Hospital. 

To know Maria was to know kindness, devotion, warmth, faith, and selflessness. She listened carefully, prayed constantly, welcomed everyone, and loved without limits. Our family is heartbroken and feels this loss deeply. Life will never feel the same without her presence, her voice, her cooking, her prayers, and the comfort of knowing she was always there.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die'".