Raffaella Caldarola (née Burdi)
elevated ZNjbG February 20, 1942 – April 17, 2021
elevated ZNjbG After a long, tenacious battle with cancer, which she faced with dignity, courage, and equanimity, Raffaella passed away in her 79th year on April 17th, 2021 peacefully and at home, surrounded by her family.
elevated ZNjbG Raffaella was the cherished wife of Orazio (Ross) her husband of almost 49 years, the beloved mother of her two boys Francis and Robert (Jessica) and proud Nonna of her baby granddaughter, Michelle. She is survived by her mother-in-law Francesca Caldarola, brother Vito Burdi (Carmela), sisters Maria Aston and Filomena Iapaolo, brother-in-law Nick Cirone and sisters-in-law Grace Spinello and Mary Salerno. She is predeceased by her parents Diego and Angela Burdi, her father-in-law Francesco Caldarola, her sister Chiara Cirone, sister-in-law Filomena Crocitto and brothers-in-law Guido Iapaolo, Nicola Crocitto, Vince Spinello and Charles Salerno. Raffaella will be remembered lovingly by her many nieces and nephews and their children, relatives in Italy, the US and Venezuela, and the many friends she treasured.
elevated ZNjbG Raffaella was a strong, spirited and fiercely independent woman, of faith. As a young child she immigrated with her family from Grumo Appula, Bari in Italy to Toronto and worked for many years as a secretary at the CBC, and then later as a bookkeeper in the grocery business founded by her husband and brother. Throughout her life Raffaella enjoyed spending time with her family, appreciating nature through her many gardens, and travelling with her husband throughout Canada and around the world. She was an active member of parish life at St Mary Immaculate Catholic Church.
elevated ZNjbG The family wishes to thank Dr Brian Berger, nurse Ellie Houshmandi and the many personal support workers for their professionalism, dedication and compassion during Raffaella’s final months. As well, the family thanks Dr Matilda Ng and all the staff at the chemo room at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the many doctors and nurses at Sunnybrook Hospital for all their support throughout the years.
elevated ZNjbG In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Diabetes Canada, or to Covenant House Toronto.
elevated ZNjbG Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic measures, a private Funeral Mass and Entombment will be held the morning of Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 10:30 am in the Chapel of St. Joseph, at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home. Online viewing of the mass can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
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elevated ZNjbG
I’m very sorry for the loss of your wife Ross.
You and your family, by coming together at these times will bring all closer to Jesus’ love and unfathomable Mercy, which is where she is now.
My deepest condolences to Ross, Francis, Robert and Jessica and the entire family. Raffaella was truly a wonderful woman that we will never forget. Keeping you all in my prayers and sending you much love. Angela.
Dearest Ross,
We are deeply saddened and offer our most heartfelt condolences on Rafaella’s passing. It was truly a pleasure to have known her. Rafaella was always the essence of grace, civility and dignity. Her faith and love of her family was paramount.
We hold you, as well as everyone in your family close in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Rafaella will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
With much love always.
Our deepest condolences to the entire Caldarola family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ina and John Miller
Dear Ross, Francis, and Robert; We are so very sorry to hear of Rae’s passing, which was not unexpected, but still devastating to know that “Mighty Mouse” is no longer with us. We know that she is no longer suffering and is at Home with God whom she loved and was devoted to all of her life. Our prayers are with you.
Ross, we send you our deep felt condolences on the passing of your beloved Felina. She suffered greatly, but she is now at peace. We pray the same strength which carried her in her final days, will carry you and your family towards a future where beautiful memories will make you smile and keep her always in your midst. God bless you.
Please accept my deepest condolences to Mr Caldarola (Ross), Francis, Robert and the entire family. I have so many good memories as a child of Mrs. Caldarola (Rafaella) looking after me and my sister and brother after school with Francis and Robert. She treated us as her own children with your family and I truly feel blessed for all that she did for us, and growing up with your family. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Rae Sister in Christ, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers my virtual Mass, rosaries and Divine Mercy. Thank Lord Jesus for welcoming my beloved sister into your arms. Rae Rest In Peace.
To Ross and the family rest assured you will all be remembered in the Masses that I participate on TV and in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Ada
My deepest condolences to my cousin Ross and his family on the passing of Felina. She will always be remembered as a kind and caring person. Please know that she and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Ross, Frances, Robert and Jessica, we are all so sorry about the loss of your dear mother, a beautiful person who was like a mother and grandmother to us. Zia was always there to love and support us and cheer us on. Her guidance and examples of faith, service to others, generosity and moral decency have always been appreciated and will continue to inspire us. Zia always had the time to listen to our news, share a cup of tea with cookies, appreciate our interests and hobbies and acknowledge and celebrate our milestones. We loved her storytelling of the past when she was a young girl in Italy and later in Canada. Her stories of struggle, courage and perseverance gave us a connection to the past and our roots and made us proud of her and her family. Thank you Zia for the gift of you in our lives. You will always be remembered with love and pride. Uncle Ross, Frances and Robert, you are in our hearts at this sad time and we send you love and hugs.
Our sincere heartfelt condolences for the passing of Raffaella your sweet, loving Wife, Mother, Nonna and dear friend to so many. She will be truly missed. May God continue to bless you with strength and courage throughout this most difficult time. We hope that you all find comfort in the thoughts and prayers we send and that your faith and loving memories will mend your broken hearts. Rest in peace dear friend, good and faithful servant.
Our sincerest condolences to the Caldarola family. Our family has you in our thoughts and we believe you are blessed to have had the time you did together.
Dear Ross & family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I pray you find comfort in knowing how much Rae was loved by all she knew and in your own special memories. Rae was my confirmation sponsor and will always hold her dear.
Much love, Kathi Noble
Uncle Ross, Frances and Robert, we are all so sorry about the loss of your dear mother, a beautiful person who was like a mother and grandmother to us. Zia was always there to love and support us and cheer us on. Her guidance and examples of faith, service to others, generosity and moral decency have always been appreciated and will continue to inspire us. Zia always had the time to listen to our news, share a cup of tea with cookies, appreciate our interests and hobbies and acknowledge and celebrate our milestones. We loved her storytelling of the past when she was a young girl in Italy and later in Canada. Her stories of struggle, courage and perseverance gave us a connection to the past and our roots and make us proud of her and her family. Thank you Zia for the gift of you in our lives. You will always be remembered with love and pride. Uncle Ross, Frances and Robert, you are in our hearts at this sad time and we send you love and hugs.
Dear Ross and family,
I remember Raffaella well from many Kerr family functions you attended. She was very sweet and friendly. She loved her family so much.
May all the wonderful memories and love you shared together bring comfort to all of you.
Sincere Condolences,
Barbara Di Mambro
(Sonya and Andrew’s Mom/Mom-in-law)
Dear Ross, Francis, Robert and family.
Our deepest condolences in the loss of your partner and mother. May she rest in peace.
Teresa, Sebastian, Riccardo and LInda Spataro and Sylvia and Tony Latina
Ross and family, rest assured that your wife and mother’s unwavering faith in Christ Jesus has earned her a special place in paradise. Try to imagine how happy she will be.
We send you our love and prayers.
Dear Ross and family, our deepest condolences, a week after of my mom passing, I know they are together in heaven, may rest in peace.
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want:
smile,
open your eyes,
love
and go on.
Gina,Vito and family,Rocco and family Antonio and family,Teresa.
Tina and Tony Tidona.
Dear Ross, Francis, Robert & Jessica,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Felina was a loving and sweet woman, who we will miss and always remember fondly.
May your hearts find peace and tranquility through the healing power of love, hope and faith.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ross, Francis, Robert & family,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Rae was always positive and strong . We admired her for her strength and faith.
Beth & Bruce
Condoglianze di vero cuore al caro amico Orazio e
Famiglie Caldarola/Birdie
Marino, Elsie e famiglia Sardone
Dear Ross, I am so very sorry to hear of Rae’s passing. May God comfort you and your family and may Rae rest in peace. love and God bless, Pauline
Dear Ross, Francis and Robert, we want to extend our deepest sympathy for the loss of Fellina. She was a beautiful lady in every way, find comfort in knowing she is with God and no longer in pain. God bless, Nini & Elsa DiFalco
Dear Ross, Robert, Francis, Jessica, and Family,
Our deepest condolences. We are so sorry and sad to hear of Felina’s passing. We had the pleasure of knowing Felina and you for a very long time. Zia and I looked forward to and enjoyed our yearly Christmas visits. Every time Felina and Zia spoke together on the phone she was always pleasant, friendly, and gave Zia many helpful suggestions. Felina will always be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. She fought a very courageous battle and now is at peace in God’s loving hands.
Angela Paccione, Zia Ninetta Ciaccia, Dennis Ciaccia and family.
Dear Ross, Francis and Robert, we want to extend our deepest sympathy for the loss of Raffaella. She was a beautiful lady in every way, find comfort in knowing she is with God and no longer in pain. God bless, Nini & Elsa DiFalco
Our deepest condolences to the entire Caldarola Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
o
Ross , Francis ,Robert and Family ,
Rae will be greatly missed by us .She was a true friend and a Lady. I have learnt to be a better ( more graceful ) person because of her and will forever be grateful for the time we had together ,she thought me the simple pleasure of not feeling guilty for having a glass of wine in the middle of the day …RIP Rae , we will meet again!
Dear Ross & Family,
My heartfelt Condolences to you, your Sons & Family.
With her strong Faith and Dedication she was an inspiration to us all and will have a special place in Heaven. She never complained no matter how uncomfortable and painful her treatments were and carried on the responsibilities on Monday mornings until her Health and Strength no longer allowed her to be part of it.
I remember her inviting me to join that group after the loss of my Husband, I was thankful for the opportunity to be part of it and it also gave me the time to get to know her and you,Ross, on a more personal level, which I really appreciate.
As Father Pawel paid a beautiful tribute of her Life of Love for God and Family, I too will always keep her memory in my heart.
May God keep you in His loving care and bless you always. Monika
Dear Ross, Francis, Robert and Jessica,
We were so sad to hear of the passing of Felina. She was a sweet person who was always kind to us whenever we saw each other. May you find comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering.
Dear Mr Caldarola, Francis, and Robert,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time. Mrs Caldarola will be deeply missed but her memories and loving spirit will live strong in each of us every day.
Growing up, Mrs Caldarola welcomed me into your home with open arms and took care of me just like one of her own children. She was like a second mother figure to me, taking care of me each day after school, helping me with my homework, taking me along to doctors appts with her kids, caring for me when I had a fever, and watching over me any time I felt scared or worried to be home alone. The love and affection she showed me has forever shaped my life and I am forever grateful for everything she did for me.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
With love always,
Sabrina Grossi-Como and family
Dearest Ross and all the Family,
We are truly sorry to hear about dear Rae and we send our heart felt condolences to you.
It was truly a great privilege to get to know Rae through my parents, Ron and Christine Ribbons, and what a happy, always smiling friend Rae was to my parents. They just loved her! Rae was a true inspiration in her long fight with cancer and I think she was amazing.
I will never forget the many wonderful hugs I received from Rae every time we met…especially at the end of Mass.
We send our love to you Ross along with the biggest hugs we can send…please know we are thinking of you and your family.
Robert and family,
Our deepest condolences.
It’s sad ,and hard to loose a parent,
Cherish the beautiful memories,and she will
be with you always.
Peter and Angelina Rossi
Dear Mr. Caldarola, Francis, Robert and family,
May you find comfort in the many happy memories. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of grieving. We will always cherish the wonderful celebrations spent sharing food, laughter and stories. An amazing woman, Mrs. Caldarola will be deeply missed by all of us.
Bro. Ross, our deepest condolences to you and your entire family for the loss of such a wonderful person such as Raffaella. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.