Maria Mazzotta

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Maria Mazzotta who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Maria was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Maria knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Maria was born on August 22, 1967 at Oshawa General Hospital in Oshawa, Ontario. Her parents were Umberto and Emilia Mazzotta. Maria was raised in Oshawa, Courtice and Whitby, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Maria learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Maria was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Maria was raised with three siblings. She had one older brother, Orazio and two younger sisters, Gina and Angela. Maria had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Maria, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Maria's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Maria enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Maria took part in baseball, skipping rope, and sledding. In her spare time she liked reading, bike riding and baking.

      In school, Maria was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Maria was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Maria’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Courtice High School in 1989. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. Her favourite class in high school was French and Home Economics. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was one of her Italian professors from Science class. Maria and her two friends Nancy and Maria made the Honour Roll each year of High School.

      Maria’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Maria’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Maria saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her diploma in Retail Management. Her favourite course was Fashion Merchandising. Her favourite professor was the Fashion Merchandising Teacher, Ted Seath. Maria and her friend Nancy organized a Fashion Show in downtown Whitby at Stairways that was extremely successful with a full house. She enhanced the Fashion Merchandising at Durham College Boutique that still exists today.

      Maria was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Maria was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Maria came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Angela Bianco, Emilia Radovini, Nicola Alexander, Lesia Kocan, Nancy Arruda, Maria Silvestri, Darren Ramcharter and Mark Holmes. Later in life, she became friends with Martiza Peyregatt, Kathy, Cori and Justin Adams, Mandy O'Connor, Joanne Lupo Cipolla, Helen Klimple, Lynda Sheilds and Saragon Ismail.

      Maria was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Maria would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Maria was blessed with two children, two sons, Marcelo and the late Angelo.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Maria was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Maria was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Maria upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was in Retail Management and Human Resources. She was employed for 8 years by The Bay and 14 years at Stats Canada. Maria was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Maria approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favourite pursuits were reading, taking walks, bike riding and baking. Maria was content to enjoy her favourite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Maria to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Maria like volleyball. In her college years, Maria continued to stay active by doing a lot of walking and cycling. Recreational sports included bike riding and taking walks. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favourite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey, Olympic Events and Sport Playoffs.

      Being generous with her time and energy, Maria liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, Maria was a member of the Drama Club. She participated in the Westside Story and Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat. In college, Maria joined the Retail Council of Canada. Throughout her later years, Maria was an active member of the World Vision Organization.

      A civic-minded person, Maria was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Maria was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Health & Safety Committe with Stats Canada. During these years, Maria applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to Maria. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of Holy Cross and Holy Family. During that time, she participated in the Young Group for St. Theresa's Catholic Church.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Maria could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to her by those she helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Maria; rather, when she saw that there was a need to get something done, she was more than willing to give her time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of her most prestigious awards included High School Honour Roll.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Maria used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Maria had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favourite vacations included trip to Germany and Switzerland as well as a more recent trip to Vancouver.

      Maria was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. They were best friends for 6 years. Her family was rounded out by her turtle Shrankoo.

      Maria passed away on May 3, 2015 at Lakeridge Health Hospital, Oshawa, Ontario. Maria fought a brave battle against cancer. She is predeceased by her child Angelo and survived by her son Marcelo, Mother Emilia, husband Bill, her brother Orazio and her two sisters, Gina and Angela and cousin Emilia. Services were held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Whitby, Ontario. Maria was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Whitby, Ontario.

      All who knew her would agree that Maria was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Maria Mazzotta did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Her son, Marcelo, wanted to add the following:

The trip to Europe was my first trip overseas with my Mom. It was a trip that meant a lot to her. She wanted to give me a chance to explore a different view of life with her, to see family and it was a special time for us to be together. It was a special time that I will never forget with my Mom.

Marcelo

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MAZZOTTA, Maria

Passed away at Lakeridge Health – Oshawa on Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 with her family by her side, at the age of 47. Loving and devoted mother of Marcelo and the late Angelo. Beloved wife of Bill Shields. Much loved daughter of Emilia and the late Umberto Mazzotta. Dear sister of Orazio (Fariba), Gina (Franco) and Angela (Rob). Cherished Zia Mia of Sebastian, Daniele, Marco, Robert and Cameron. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, May 7th, from 2 – 4 p.m. & 7 – 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH (91 Ribblesdale Drive, Whitby) on Friday, May 8th, at 9:30 a.m. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations to Hearth Place Cancer Centre or World Vision would be appreciated.