Annunziata (Nancy) Celenza

Mom to Marisa, Anna (Tony Colasanto), Sandra (John Cupido) and several others she adopted in "spirit"; Nonna Nancy to her six beautiful nieces Natalie (Ernie Celebre), Andrea (Dan Merenda), Erica (Tyler Dutra), Marlena, Lara, Olivia (and many other friends); Nonna Nancy had a special spot for Mike and Massimo. Nonna "Antsy" to her great-grandchildren Sophia, Emma, Grace, Adam and Baby Merenda; Aunt Nancy & Zia Nunzia to many nieces and nephews and Nunzia/ Nancy to her relatives and many friends.

It is with extreme sadness that we mourn the loss of our mother, who peacefully passed on to eternal life on Canada Day, July 1st surrounded by her family.

Nancy (Salvati) was born in Vasto, Chieti Italy. At a young age, she bravely crossed the Atlantic to rejoin her husband Frank, who had left for Canada shortly after their wedding. She had no knowledge of the language but was determined to come to this new country that would offer her family many new and positive opportunities. She came with her nine-month old baby, Maria Teresa, who Frank quickly named Marisa. They had two more daughters, Anna and Sandra.

We will be forever grateful for her courage and unconditional faith in our father that she made this journey and now somehow fittingly God called her on the day we celebrate Canada’s birthday.

Our mother was always elegantly and impeccably dressed. She was an amazing talented seamstress and was very proud of all of the friends and family that she outfitted with original creations, never using a pattern. Her beloved garden kept her family fed throughout the year. She was a talented cook and made a point of making our favourite foods; gnocchi because she had extra potatoes; extra tagliatelle because some didn't like ravioli and her delicious baking for all special occasions or just because she had some eggs! Up until very recently she still enjoyed her evening workout on her beloved “treadmiller.”

She was a faithful parishioner at St. Philip Neri for over 50 years and she was a proud and supportive member of the Catholic Women’s League.

We know that she is at peace and reunited with our father, Frank and many other family members and friends, who certainly greeted Mom with open arms. An amazing woman that never tired and was fiercely proud of her family. She will live forever in our hearts and memories; the Beauty of a Life well-lived lasts Forever. La bellezza di una vita onesta e serena vivrà per sempre. Love you forever, Mom & Dad.

In memory of Nancy Celenza donations may be made to The Angel Foundation for Learning.