Maria Stella Caligiuri

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and Nonna, Maria Stella Caligiuri, on April 13th, 2020. Maria Stella was born in Miglierina Italy on October 6th, 1931 to Michele and Rachela Guzzo. She was the last living member of her family. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Pasquale, her siblings; Anna, Pietro, Francesco, Gregorio and Manuele, and her brother-in-law Giuseppe Caligiuri.

Maria Stella is survived by her four children; Giuseppi Caligiuri (Glenda), Raffaelina Pingitore (Felice), Michael Caligiuri (Barb) and Rachel Stoesz (Brian). She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren; Candace (Walter), Giuseppe (Erin), Ryan (Vanessa), Anne (Ryan), Giovanna, Claire (Brian), Stephanie (Chris), Pasquale (Sussana), Adam, Melisa and four great grandchildren Averie, Cameron, Daniel and Mason. As well, she is survived by her two nephews, Erminio (Linda) and Pasquale (Franca) Caligiuri, one niece, Raffaelina Ingram, and her sister-in-law Lucia Caligiuri (Giuseppe). Mom also has many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews living in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Maria Stella married Pasquale Caligiuri on October 10th 1953 in the beautiful town of Miglierina. Mom was proud to be called a Miglierinese. Pasquale and Maria had two children, Giuseppi and Raffaelina before emigrating to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1959. A third child, Michael, was born during their stay in Buenos Aires. In the early 1960’s Maria and their children remained in Buenos Aires while Pasquale left to join his brother, Giuseppe, in British Columbia. Pasquale ultimately settled in Winnipeg and Maria Stella and their three children emigrated to Winnipeg in 1963 to join him. Here Maria Stella and Pasquale were blessed with their fourth child, Rachel.

Mom was the perfect example of an Italian woman born in her era. Her children and her husband were the centre of her life. She lived in order to cook, can and preserve foods, wash clothing, sew, and keep a beautiful home for us. We would laugh with her, telling her that if she had a dollar for every loaf of bread that she made she would have been a millionaire. In their early years in Winnipeg, while they were getting established, finances were difficult, but mom never complained about lack of money. She had such a wonderful skill of stretching every dollar that dad brought home. We all learned some delicious and very inexpensive dishes that even her grandchildren and great grandchildren love and ask for today.

Nonna was blessed with 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Quite often, and to this day, you will hear the grandchildren share stories of the things that they did with their Nonna. She loved each one of them with all her heart and in return they loved her dearly. They will miss her.

In 2013 life as she knew it changed. Pasquale’s health changed drastically and he required the support of a senior care facility. Maria moved to assisted living and for the first time in her life she had to live on her own. In 2015, she lost her beloved husband of 62 years. Her strength and determination were never more visible than in her last decade of her life. Linda S. and the staff members at Riverwood Square were very supportive to her and helped her enjoy her years there. We wish to thank her two support staff from Home Care, Raj and Rose, who came to assist her on a weekly basis.

Mom enjoyed her regular calls from her three comare; Alicia Consiglio, Angelina Masi, and Peppina Iuliano, as well as conversations with Teresina Marsico and her many other friends from the Caboto Centre Seniors Group. Mom also enjoyed her regular telephone visits with her cousins Antonio and Maria from Guelph, Ontario.

The family would like to thank the staff of 2 South at the Grace Hospital, some who were with mom for almost the entire time of her stay; Jun, Andrea, Carol, Beth-Anne, Stefanie, Katherine, Tom (physio), and Dr. George.

In keeping with the health regulations that have been put in place to combat COVID 19, a celebration of mom’s life will be held at a future date. When it is safe to do so in the future, the family will contact mom’s family and friends to join us in celebrating her life.

Pallbearers are her grandsons; Giuseppe and Pasquale Pingitore, Ryan Caligiuri, Adam Stoesz, Ryan Trapp, Walter Weselowski, Chris Provost, and Brian McKellar.