Italia Gabriella Pica

Passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Hospice Wellington in Guelph, Ontario. Known to many family and friends as Nonna Gabby (Nonna G.) she will be lovingly remembered by her five children; Mirella (Frank Trozzo), Camillo (Irene), Marcello, Carlo (Silvia) and Luisa (Frank Cazzola). Proudest Nonna of Luigi & Anthony Trozzo, Zigg & Sara Pica, Natalie & Noah Pica and Sonia & Eliza Cazzola. Predeceased by her husband Angiolino who passed away in February 1998 and her parents, Nicola and Maria as well as many family members in Chieti, Italy. Nonna Gabby learned her craft as a seamstress in Chieti, Italy at the tender age of 16. As she raised her five children, she spent countless hours in her sewing room creating beautiful dresses for brides and bridal parties. She repaired and repurposed clothing for countless clients, neighbours and family with great care and skill.

Her gardens were full of fruit trees, fresh produce, fragrant herbs and beautiful flowers. Labour Day weekends were dedicated to making tomato sauce for the year for her family of seven. Each of the seven played a role in the assembly line production of this liquid gold, stored of course in recycled, mismatched Lucky One pop bottles. Her homemade pizza, gnocchi, and meatballs were legendary. A tray of her lemon-filled pizzelle made it to every family celebration. Her culinary talent inspired generations of the same passion for cooking and entertaining but all would agree that Nonna Gabby’s love for her family was the special ingredient in everything she made and everything she did.

The family would like to thank Dr. Julie Chaytor, Dr. Andrew Burke and his entire team at the Guelph Renal Clinic, Dr. Grace Morrison at GGH and Dr. Phil Ruddock and the team of PSWs and Nurses. A special thanks as well to the entire team at Wellington Hospice for the peace and loving care they provided to our sweet Mom and Nonna in her final days.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre & Sons Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St.N. Guelph, where the family will receive their friends on Thursday, May 11th from 6:00 to 9:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at Basilica of Our Lady, 28 Norfolk St. Guelph on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 a.m. Private entombment in Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum, Marymount cemetery, Guelph.

In lieu of flowers, as expressions of sympathy, donations to Hospice Wellington and the Guelph Renal Clinic would be appreciated by family. Donation cards are available at the funeral home 519-822-4731 or leave condolences online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com