Obituary of Iolanda Cesco

With deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother Iolanda, who, in her gentle and quiet way left this earth on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the age of 96.

Iolanda was the devoted wife of the late Maurizio Cesco for 68 years, and the deeply loved mother of Mirella Oatway (Rick), Elide Moreau (Gerrie), John (Laura), Lucio (Anna Clay, late Shelley), Patrick (Sandra), and Lily Heika (Bob).

Iolanda was blessed with a large and loving family and was the proud Nonna of Lauren Shaw (Trevor), Ryan Oatway (Lindsey Josling), Aaron Moreau (Leslie), Chelsea Bering (Adam), Marco Cesco (Jenny Nguyen), Taylor Cesco (Brittany), Megan Cesco (Mike Rosso), Sophie (Josh) and, Julia Heika.

Iolanda was also a loving Bisnonna to Makenna and Kellan Shaw, Owen and Eva Moreau, Hayden Palaro, Chloe and Max Bering, Liam and Addison Cesco. 

Iolanda was the dear daughter of Fioravante Toppan and Virginia Lorenzon. She was the cherished sister of the late Antonietta Liut, late Dirce Venturini, late Giovanni Toppan, late Elena Vidotto and the late Angelo Toppan. Iolanda is survived by her dear brother David Toppan (late Maria) and sister Fidalma Santin (late Guiseppe), sister-in-law Elena Dal Dan (late Ladino), and brother-in-law Adriano Cesco (Eda).

Born December 4, 1929, in Villotta di Chions, Italy, our mom lived her life marked by kindness, strength, generosity, and devotion to family. She touched the lives of many through her warm heart and gentle spirit.

Mom was the glue of our family, regularly hosting large gatherings. Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent with us. Mom was especially happy spending time at her camp on Goulais Bay surrounded by the entire family and their children.

Mom enjoyed social time playing bocce, bowling, shuffleboard, and cards with her neighbors and friends, sharing coffee and freshly baked desserts.

Whether sharing a meal, offering wise advice, lending a helping hand, or simply making others feel welcome, Mom left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Throughout her courageous battle with cancer, our mom demonstrated remarkable strength, dignity, and grace. Her resilience inspired family and friends alike and reflected the character with which she lived her entire life. She never uttered a single complaint and was truly grateful for every visit and every act of care and compassion she received.  

Mom will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in the memories she leaves behind and the love she shared so freely.  Her love lives on through the family she cherished and the values she instilled in each of us.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.  Funeral Mass to be held at Our Lady of the Highways Church (466 Second Line East) at 10:30 a.m. with Father Peter Nwachukwu officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), SAH Foundation, Our Lady of the Highways Church or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.Top of Form

A heartfelt thanks to the compassionate care provided by CBI and the nursing team at Bayshore Healthcare, especially Dawn, Monica, Nikki, Nina and Joel. We are also deeply grateful to the staff at ARCH for the comfort, compassion, and dignity they provided during Mom's final day.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever in our hearts.

Per sempre amata, per sempre ricordata e per sempre nei nostri cuori.