Antonietta Garofalo
elevated dhCQW July 28, 1938 – October 17, 2024
elevated dhCQW Antonietta passed away October 17, 2024, her husband of 65 years Antonio by her side, nursing her with profound care and love, as he had, night and day, during four years of serious illness.
elevated dhCQW Born Antonietta Vettese on July 28, 1938, in Cassino, Italy, she was the youngest of five daughters of Antonia and Rafaele Vettese. Growing up in wartime Italy on the historic battleline between the Axis and Allied forces of World War II, she, along with her parents and sisters, experienced extreme poverty and the ravages of the war on their doorstep. Antonietta often kept her children and grandchildren spellbound with stories of those years, worthy of an epic war movie or novel.
elevated dhCQW Following her sisters to Toronto in 1959, Antonietta met Antonio within days of her arrival and instantly fell in love. They were married October 24 of that year and daughter Vivian arrived nine months to the day after their wedding. Son David followed in 1965 and the young couple raised their children in a home in North York, built by Antonio, surrounded by a large extended family within the same neighbourhood. Antonietta and Antonio continued to live in this home until the day Antonietta passed away. After raising her children in that home, she often cared for and doted over her three grandchildren who became the centre of her universe.
elevated dhCQW Antonietta is survived by her husband Antonio, daughter Vivian (Joseph Colangelo), son David (Christie), grandchildren Christian, Francesca (Keith Lu) and Sophia, Antonietta’s loving “big sister” Natalina Vettese and devoted caregiver Myrna Talango. She also leaves behind over two dozen nieces and nephews. Antonietta is predeceased by her other beloved sisters Angelina Pacitto, Emma Vettese and Carmela Vettese and daughter-in-law Laura Varlese-Garofalo.
elevated dhCQW The family would like to convey their special thanks to Antonietta’s caregiver Myrna Talango, to her family physician Dr. Domenic Nasso and her nurse Steve Vickers for their extraordinarily kind and compassionate care and to Dr. Desmond Leung at North York General Hospital.
elevated dhCQW Friends and family may gather at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home (211 Langstaff Road East Thornhill, Ontario) for visitation on Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held in the Chapel of St. Joseph (located within Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home) on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life reception to follow the entombment at the funeral home.
elevated dhCQW
I’ll forever remember her as the smallest woman with the biggest hugs and smile. My most heartfelt condolences to you Mr. G, Vivian & Joe, Dave & Christie, Christian, Francesca & Keith, and Sophia.
With love,
Michelle,
Reagan, Ryann and Thomas
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. My sincerest condolences on your loss.
Tony,
We are so sorry to hear of Antoinetta’s passing. She was so kind and was always an amazing friend to my parents. I’ve heard so many countless stories and great memories you have made as friends over the years. They will be treasured forever. Our condolences to you and all of your family. Rick & Saveria Gibney and Family.
It’s very sad to hear that Antoinette passed away I remember we spend together going away to a holiday the 4 of us. And Antoinette was very cheerful every time she was so close to my wife but now they both together and I like to extend my condolences to my friend Toni to his daughter Vivian the son in law Joe and also to David and his wife and his children.
We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to Antonietta‘s family. We always enjoyed her exuberant company and admired her devotion to loved ones.
The Leckie, Iacozza, Stodolak, Perski and De Clara Families
My family’s immense sympathies during this difficult time.
I was honored to help. She was a very lovely wife, mother and Nona. God rest her soul.She is in most sincere thoughts and prayers. God Bless her and her family
“Le mie più sincere condoglianze in questo momento di dolore.
Sincere e sentite condoglianze alla famiglia di Antonietta.
Famiglia Remo Lapati
My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved, wife, mother and Nonna- Antonietta. She was kind to me with her updates on family matters. Her presence would light up a room. May you all remember the love you shared with her and keep it in your heart.
Kind regards.
Tony,
We are so sorry to hear of Antoinette’s passing. She was a genuine and caring woman. She was always a great friend to my parents. May she rest in peace as she is reunited her family, friends and my Mom!
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Frank, Barb, Christian, Alexa and family.
David and Christie,
I was saddened to hear the news of your mother’s passing, David. Your mother sounds like she was an amazing woman and brought great strength to the Garofolo family. My family’s thoughts are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Manijeh and Tony
David,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Christie, and your family at this time.
Vicki