Filomena Guzzo

Filomena Guzzo

March 26-1924-November 21, 2023

With heavy hearts and much love, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Filomena Guzzo. She passed away on November 21, 2023, surrounded by her family, at Poseidon Care Centre, at age 99.

Filomena will be fondly remembered by her six children: Carol (Mario) Pallone, Tom (Diane) Guzzo, Stella (Gabriele) De Dominicis, Perri (Dave) Sloan, Toni (Joe) Donvito, Lucy (Pedro) Chagas, 17 grandchildren, Greg (Gena) Pallone, Rose (Leo) Umphrey, Tony (Venessa) Pallone,

Joelle Guzzo, Sheri (Sean) Billington, Ryan (Sara) Guzzo, Rick (Shayne) De Dominicis, Daniel (Sherri) De Dominicis, Claudio (Jamie) De Dominicis, Mike (Jen) Sloan, Lucy Sloan (John), Cynthia (Dale) Weevers, Paul Donvito (Megan), Victoria (Duncan) Platts, Julia Chagas, Marco Chagas, and Matteo Chagas, 28 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Angelina Anania of Florida and many nephews and nieces. Filomena was predeceased by her husband, Antonio Guzzo, sister Felicia (Antonio) Guzzo of Montreal and brothers Tommaso (Giuseppina) Anania of Italy and Antonio Anania of Florida.

Filomena was born in Miglierina, Catanzaro, Italy on March 26, 1924, to Pietro and Maria Stella Anania. She was born into a family of entrepreneurs who ran the town's bakery, grocery store and tailor shop. Filomena naturally had a knack for all things creative, which, along with her determined nature, fostered her love for detailed cross-stitching, embroidering, and crocheting, which helped her family make a living.

Filomena married her childhood friend and the love of her life in 1946. By 1954, they decided to make Canada their new place to call home. At this time, she stayed put in Italy and endured the task of single motherhood, with the responsibility of three children and one on the way. By 1959, their home in Winnipeg was finally ready for their arrival, so Filomena and the children travelled by sea to reunite with her husband and begin their new life in Canada. Shortly after, they welcomed two more children, completing their family of eight.

Filomena’s determination continued as she quickly adapted to her new life in Canada.

She worked as a seamstress for several years while maintaining a warm and loving household for her family.

She was the anchor of our family. She always provided direction, guidance, and encouragement, consistently reminding her children/grandchildren that they were the center of her life. One of her favourite sayings to her family was “Mangia Mangia.” Keeping everyone fed and happy was one of many ways to show her love.

She was known for her kindness, generosity, warm heart, faith, and love for God. She was often referred to as an angel. Filomena’s 99 years of life will forever live in all our hearts.

A very special thank you to the Poseidon Care Centre staff, particularly Sharlie, Marina, Maluz, Eva and Senada, for their commitment and the extraordinary care they provided to our ‘Mama.’

A Christian Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 510 River Avenue, with Rev. Fr. Sam Argenziano officiating.

Viewing and condolences will occur at 10:00 am, and mass will follow at 11:00 am.

Private family entombment will take place following the service.

A virtual service will be broadcast live on Holy Rosary’s YouTube channel.

Pall Bearers are Filomena’s beloved ten grandsons.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Guzzo family.