PALOMBELLA, Maria Celestina (Schiavitti) December 24, 1933-March 19, 2017 It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the children of Maria share the news of the passing of their loving and beloved mother, Maria Palombella, on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. Maria is predeceased by her eternal love, Agostino (1982), with whom she is now re-united, her dear parents Luigi (Gigino) (1980) and Gemma (nee Angerilli, 1998), and infant brother Gabriele. Maria was the devoted mother and mother-in-law of Romeo and Carol, Sara and Paul Cannon, and Luisa and Paul Hubner. Maria was the most caring and doting nonna of her nine precious grandchildren Jessica (Michael Enright), Michael (Marguerite), Marie Cannon, Renee Palombella, Dawn (Daniel Gateman), Erin Cannon, Mark Hubner, Brent Hubner, Ryan Hubner. Maria was the dear and loving bisnonna of Marion and Elliott Enright, Evan Gateman and Beckham Palombella. Maria was the dear sister-in-law of Arnaldo and Domenica Palombella, and Angelo and Anna Palombella, all of Italy. Maria lived a life in which family, faith and sharing with others were central. Her work ethic was unparalleled and this she passed on to her own children. Devoted to her own parents, loving, loyal and generous to her beloved husband, Agostino, and the most loving and unselfish mother to her children for whom the universe revolved, Maria always counted her blessings and always put her family first. A first-rate cook, baker, seamstress, knitter and problem solver, our mother never backed down from a challenge. Mamma’s home and kitchen were open to all friends and family, regardless of the time of day or night, and she would magically conjure up plates of Italian home-made specialty Abruzzese cuisine on a moment’s notice to feed one or a dozen. Maria was born in the family’s humble medieval stone cottage in the tiny mountain village of Gagliano Aterno, in the Region of Abruzzo, Province of L’Aquila (Province of the Eagle), where she married Agostino in 1950, 4 short years after the end of WW2 in Europe. Two months following Romeo’s birth in February, 1951, Agostino left for Canada armed with nothing except a strong back, a staunch work ethic, and a dedication to family duty, to seek a better life for his family. After 2 years away from his new family, and as the result of his hard work, Agostino was able to send for his wife and infant son to join him in Hamilton. At the age of 19, on April 11, 1953 (Mother’s Day) Maria travelled alone by steamer ship (S.S. Conte Biancamano) from Napoli, sharing her bunk with seasick Romeo during a 15-day transatlantic journey. After arriving at Ellis Island in New York City and welcomed by Agostino’s cousin, Alemondo Bucci (deceased 1969), Maria crossed over to Canada to finally join her husband in Hamilton. In subsequent years Sara and Luisa completed the Palombella household as the family’s 1st Generation Canadians. While assimilating with the cultures and traditions of their new land, Maria and Agostino ensured their children – and then grandchildren – were raised to know and celebrate the traditions and value system of their homeland in Italy. Their trifecta was Family, Faith, Education. A solid foundation from which all their blessings flowed. Tragically and unexpectedly widowed at the young age of 48, Maria spent her entire life afterwards fulfilling so faithfully and unconditionally the role of mother and father, of nonna and nonno to her children and their families. Maria was ever grateful to the many friends and relatives that supported her during these almost 35 years without Agostino. She celebrated her grandchildren’s activities and special events throughout the years, holding dear to her heart their many accomplishments. Always kind and generous with her friends, neighbours and anyone who needed help and whom she believed she could help. A true model of faith, fortitude and kindness. Maria led a full active life and never faltered, despite the numerous challenges that she faced and overcame with courage and conviction throughout. During her early years in Hamilton – in her 20s – she worked tirelessly as a front-line seamstress on piecework in the local fabric industries, Coppley Noyes on York Blvd., and Beauty Industries on Sherman Ave. North. Whatever it took to support her family in the lean early years, Maria did so without complaint. From 1959 to 1968, Maria and Agostino were the co-proprietors of Palombella Grocery on Barton St. East. Those were vigorous and productive multi-tasking years, working 6 days a week from Monday to Saturday, then performing clean-up and restocking duties on Sundays. Maria and her father, Gigino operated the store during the day, while Agostino alternated between the store and his shiftwork employment as a millwright at STELCO, then she would attend to household responsibilities and cooking for the family while Romeo worked in the store a