ROSA MARIA CALIENDO
(nee SPIEZIA)
MARCH 6, 1921 – JULY 20, 2017
Our beloved Mamma Rosa and Nonna passed away peacefully on July 20th at Humber River Hospital in Toronto. She was in her 97th year. She will be deeply missed by her children Josephine, Anna Maria and John (Angela) and her 2 adoring (and adored) grandsons, Michaelangelo and Johnny Bartello. Rosa is survived by 2 sisters, Antoinetta and Pasqualina and is predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Giuseppe.
Rosa was born in San Vitaliano, Napoli, Italy the eldest of 6 siblings. At a young age both her father and brother passed away and with great regret she was forced to abandon school to help her family. In these years she developed the fortitude, independent-mindedness and positive spirit which carried her through life.
In 1955 Rosa and her 2 young daughters arrived on the Queen Frederica at Pier 21 in Halifax to join her husband and build a new and fulfilling life in Canada. Mom believed that any adversity could be overcome with hard work, good food and music. An accomplished Neapolitan cook, she was happiest when hosting family and friends.
A special thank you to her physicians Dr. Fabio Varlese, Dr. Berih, and Dr. Kratewski, her care-givers Kalyani and Karu, and the staff of Humber River Hospital whose Foundation family and friends are welcome to support.
A Visitation will be held at the JERRETT FUNERAL HOME (1141 St. Clair Ave. W., one block east of Dufferin St.) on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 from 2pm – 4pm & 6 pm – 9 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Clare’s Catholic Parish (1118 St. Clair Ave W.,) on Thursday, July 26, 2017 at 10:00 am. Entombment at Prospect Cemetery to follow.