Ida Giovannitti

It is with immense sadness and broken hearts that we share with you the great loss of our dear, brave and wonderful mother Ida Giovannitti (nee Carlini). She passed away peacefully on the morning of October 28, 2024, at the age of 87 with her three adoring daughters by her side.

Ida was born June 8, 1937 in Ceccano, Frosinone to loving and hard-working parents, the late Francesco Carlini and Maria Mastrogiacomo. Ida is predeceased by her late husband Lieo Giovannitti and by her brothers Danilo, Vincenzo, and Carlo Carlini. She is survived by her sisters, Giovanna Hebert (late Edmour) and her twin sister, Lorenzina Scapillati (late Albino). She leaves behind her adoring daughters Pina (Fred Maroun), Elena (Larry Bissell) and Vera (Rob Craig). Her legacy of fun, laughter and adventure continues through her grandchildren Oliver Giovannitti (Indigo Bunting), Lawrence Maroun (Jasmine Mander), Jaidyn Bissell, Stephanie Dale (nee Craig) and Jenna Craig and great-grandchildren Eric, Joscelyn, Avery and Tanner. She will be missed my many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews from Canada and Italy.

Ida carried within her the heart of a lioness. A life of adversity and adventure from the beginning, she left her home country of Italy and arrived in Canada, at Pier 21 after a stormy and perilous crossing, days before Christmas in 1958, to make a better life for herself. Although not easy, Ida prevailed in all she did through sheer determination and her fighting spirit with grace and humility.

Ida lived a life filled with love of family and friends, walking in nature, cooking and entertaining, caring for and helping others. She was an extremely hard worker. At the age of 42, she raised 3 young girls on her own. She worked full time, first at Brookfield High School cooking nutritious lunches and later she worked at the Riverside Hospital in the food services. Ida prepped and delivered meals to patients on the ward, cooked in the kitchen and later was a short order cook in the Riverside Hospital cafeteria. Students, teachers, doctors, nursers and para health professionals all enjoyed Ida’s cooking, so much so that she received awards not only for the quality of the food, but for the warmth and genuine care and attention she gave to both people and her work.

In order to support her daughters and provide a better life for her family, Ida supplemented her income by working many jobs. She did so proudly as no job, in her view was too menial or laborious. She instilled in her daughters the sense that all work has value and that when you do your work well you can be proud. She also instilled in them the love for lifetime learning and that every experience was a gift to learn something. Ida garnered the love and respect of all at work and in everyday life.

Ida will be remembered for so many things. She was warm, funny, playful, spontaneous and full of life. She would burst into song at any gathering, she would never hesitate to pull her children or grandchildren into a tarantella. She loved walks in nature and led a walking group where she made wonderful friends. She had a beautiful, generous and kind soul. She had a warm smile for everyone. There was always room at the table and everyone was welcomed and loved in her house.

The family will receive relatives and friends at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road (at Albion Road) on Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 10 am in the Chapel of McEvoy-Shields. Interment Notre-Dame Cemetery. The family invites you to join them for a time of fellowship and a reception at Villa Marconi. Ida's funeral may also be viewed live or for replay at https://fweb.tv/158919

In memoriam donations to Lupus Ontario would be greatly appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.