elevated DkAJV September 12, 1933 – December 16, 2022

elevated DkAJV Visitation
Monday December 19, 2022 from 2pm to 4pm & 5pm to 8pm

elevated DkAJV Tuesday December 20, 2022 from 9am to 10:15am

elevated DkAJV Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6

elevated DkAJV Funeral Mass – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)
Tuesday December 20, 2022 at 10:30am

elevated DkAJV To watch the Mass live, Click Here

elevated DkAJV Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7

elevated DkAJV It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Filomena Grella (née Costantino) on December 16, 2022 at the age of 89 at Humber River Hospital with her family by her side. Reunited with her Beloved husband Gerardo, parents Giovanni and Carmela, and brother Eugenio. Cherished daughter in law to the late Michele and Brigida and brother in law Giuseppe. Loving mother to Maria (Donald) Ventresca and Gina (Emidio) Di Falco. Proud Nonna to Nicole (Nicholas), Joseph, Don Jr. and the Late Mary Jean.  Fondly remembered by her brothers Alessandro (Palmira), Peter (Anna), and sister Fiorenza (Fausto). Held dear by her brother in law Pietro (Olga), and sister in laws Elena (Michele), Antonietta (Late Francesco), and Michelina (Late Antonio). Filomena will be fondly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at CareHop for their care and compassion

elevated DkAJV If desired, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society in Filomena’s honour. 

elevated DkAJV Eulogy
Good morning everyone. 
On behalf of my parents Gina and Emidio, my Zia Mary and Uncle Don, my brother Joey, cousin Donnie, fiancé Nick and myself I wanted to Thank everyone for coming today to remember Filomena. 

Filomena was such a loving, caring and honest women who touched each and every one of us.

Her story starts September 1933, in the small town of Gesualdo, Avellino Italy, as the first born to Giovanni and Carmela Costantino. Gesualdo was her home until she immigrated to Canada in August 1955 with her brother Alessandro. Soon followed they’re Sister Fiorenza and brothers Peter and the late Eugenio along with their parents. They were the pioneers of the Costantino family and their Canadian adventure so from there the rest is history. 

She was a wonderful and faithful wife to my Nonno Gerardo. Together they created a beautiful life for each other and their family. While Their marriage was full of many ups and downs they always came out stronger and powered through the adversity together. They showed us the importance of compromise, synergy and never going to bed… hungry. All things I’ve taken with me in my relationship with Nick. Whom I’m very glad Nonna got to meet, know and love. 

Filomena was also a very loving and dedicated mother to my zia Mary and mom Gina who loved her dearly. She raised 2 beautiful, strong women who are reflections of her in so many ways; they share her compassion, her loyalty, her love for family, and zest for celebrations. Nonna loved to celebrate every birthday, anniversary, and milestone often with a family trip to Mandarin or as she would say ‘Mandareen’. 

Along with two daughters, Filomena was blessed with her son in laws. She loved my dad Emidio and my Uncle Don like they were her own sons and she always looked forward to their company. I’m proud to say my dad has gained the knowledge of Nonna and Nonno’s finest craft; making tomato sauce every summer. A tradition I know our family will carry on for years to come. 

Filomena was also a light in the lives of her  siblings and in laws whom I know looked up to her as the adoring big sister she was. she was an devoted and proud Zia to her many nieces and nephews. And a dear friend to whom ever was lucky to be graced with her presence. She truly had a lasting impact and her gentle spirit will live on forever. 

So, Filomena was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, but to me she was Nonna. No matter the day I was having I knew a hug and a plate of her pasta could fix any problem. Joey and I are so lucky to have the relationship we did with her and it’s something neither of us will ever take for granted. We will forever cherish our memories with her and hold them near and dear throughout our lives. She was the glue that held our family together.  Or as I say, the meatball. For those of you that don’t know I often refer to both my Nonnas as my little polpetta’s or meatball’s, and after reflecting I think it’s because like a good meatball they’re a mix of great ingredients and lots of love, that, after blended together makes something so wonderful.

As hard as it is to say good bye, I think we can all agree that she is at peace. And that this isn’t good bye, it’s simply a ci viadiamo. 

I love you Nonna and we’ll miss you. Thank you for everything. 

elevated DkAJV