Maria Laura Milan
elevated d9HEL October 13, 1935 – September 27, 2024
elevated d9HEL Visitation
Saturday October 5, 2024 from 11:00 am – 1:45 pm
elevated d9HEL Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated d9HEL Entombment
elevated d9HEL Committal Service to be held following the visitation at 2 pm.
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated d9HEL Blessed Virgin Mausoleum
elevated d9HEL Obituary
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Maria Milan on September 27, 2024 at the age of 88.
elevated d9HEL She was the loving wife of the late Ginesio, caring and devoted Mother to sons John (Mary) and Walter (Mary) and daughter Francesca (Karsten). She was the proud Nonna to her 10 beautiful Grandchildren, Tanya, Melissa, Terra, Veronika, Melanie, Samantha, Adam, Carsten, Alexander, Markus and 15 Great Grandchildren, Domenic, Sofia, Paolo, Gia, Leonardo, Maximus, Alexander, Josie, Alessia, Nicolas, Leo, Alessandro, Matteo, Domenico, Emma.
elevated d9HEL Maria was born in San Martino di Lupari, located in the Veneto region of Italy. At the age of 20, she embarked on a journey to Canada with her husband, becoming the only one of her nine siblings to emigrate. Despite the vast ocean that separated them, the love and devotion among them remained unwavering and strong to the very end.
elevated d9HEL Maria and Ginesio started their new lives in Toronto, settling in the Italian neighborhood of Little Italy.
elevated d9HEL Maria, a dedicated and hardworking woman, focused on raising her three children while cleaning homes and churches. Having sewing skills, she took an opportunity to design and make curtains for one of her employers, which led to the establishment of Milan Interiors, a thriving business in custom drapery alongside her son Walter.
elevated d9HEL Despite her limited English skills, Maria’s determination to support her family, commitment to excellence, genuine kindness, resulted in years of success as the visionary behind her successful company.
elevated d9HEL Maria’s greatest devotion was always to her children, and her love of family brought her the deepest joy. She expressed this love through the incredible meals she created for them and everyone who entered the family home. She poured her heart into every dish, and no one ever left without enjoying a meal or taking a jar of her famous tomato sauce home with them. Her passion for her vast garden and cooking will live on as a lasting legacy for many who have known her.
elevated d9HEL Maria will be cherished in the hearts of countless family members and friends in both Canada and Europe. She will also be remembered for her profound kindness towards others especially children, and of course her bright smile.
elevated d9HEL Maria passed away peacefully in her sleep, which she so richly deserved, fulfilling a wish she had long held in her many devoted daily prayers. May she rest in peace.
elevated d9HEL In Lieu of flowers, please consider sending a house plant as Maria loved them, and they can continue living on in her memory.
elevated d9HEL If desired donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Dear John & Mary, families.
We are very sorry for your loss.
May all the beautiful memories keep you all strong through this very difficult time.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Sending love to the whole family. Near or far, all those that had the joy of meeting Nonna and eating her delicious food know how deeply her beautiful smile will be missed. May her memory be a blessing!
Francesca and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met your mom on numerous occasions and she always had a smile on her face, she was full of love you could see it in her. May god bless her and you and your big wonderful family. Love Lisa
Dear John, Mary and Family,
Sorry for your loss. May the beautiful memories of your mother bring you comfort during this time. Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
There’s nothing anyone can say or do to lessen your sadness at this sorrowful time. The best way to honour someone who’s passed is to share memories of time with them. When I was younger my family would spend most Saturday nights together with our aunts, uncles and cousins. I remember Zia Maria always made the most delicious popcorn. I know it’s a simple thing but to this day whenever I make popcorn, I think of Zia Maria. May the memories you share see you through this sad time.
Francesca, John, Walter and the entire family my thoughts are with all of you.
I had the privilege of knowing your mom, Maria for almost 50 years. Although both English and Italian were sometimes a challenge, we always found a way to understand each other. Kindness and laughter don’t need words, and her warmth always came through. When I visited Frances nearly every day, living just down the street as a young teenager, Maria was almost always in the kitchen. Even if she wasn’t, she would quickly make her way there to greet whoever came through the door, ensuring they had something to eat and drink. Not only did I enjoy her amazing food, but I learned from her as well. Frances would often come downstairs looking for me, knowing I was in the kitchen with “Ma.”
As we got older, Frances, the boys, and Maria spent a week on Martha’s Vineyard together. We had so many laughs, at the beach, sharing wine, cooking, and enjoying each other’s company. I even had the chance to take over in the kitchen, showing her some of the tricks I had learned from her over the years. But the ultimate compliment came when she told me I was a pretty good cook. She could not have made me prouder. Those moments of laughter, good food, and love will always remain in my heart. Rest in peace, Maria “Ma”
Love PJ
Francesca and boys,
It heavies my heart to hear this news, Maria was such a beautiful woman, I am grateful for my memories of Maria, giggles over a glass of wine, instructions in the kitchen and traveling to beautiful cottages in the summertime. R.I.P. Maria. XO
liebe Francesca, liebe Jungs, liebe Familie und Angehörigen des Clans,
wir nehmen Anteil am Tod Eurer lieben Maria und sind in Gedanken bei Euch.Möge der liebe Herrgott die Verstorbene liebevoll im Kreis der Liebsten aufnehmen. Ihr harter Lebensweg auf Erden soll Ihr im Himmel ein Bett aus Blumen und Geschenken bescheren, sodass Sie in Ruhe Ihren weiteren Werdegang begehen kann. Wir hier, die Zurückgebliebenen, werden Ihr einen großen Platz an glücklichen Erinnerungen auf Ewig bereithalten. Wir danken Maria für all das Gute, dass Sie uns gab.
Lo conosciuta quando e venuta in Italia. Persona squisita, sempre sorridente.
Porgo ai famigliari sincere condoglianze 🙏
Francesca and family,
I have very fond memories of Maria as a dedicated, loving family person with special focus on our children, while she lived and traveled with us. I will always remember her kindness, generosity, and loving heart. My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and the Nonni of the family.
John, Walter, Frances and families.
Our deepest condolences for the loss of your mother. May she rest in peace 🙏❤️
Walter, Mary and Family:
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother…..it is truly difficult to lose someone who has shaped your life. The only consolation that she is at peace now. Cherish all the beautiful memories she has left behind.
Dear Walter, Mary and family. Your mom will always be remembered for her smile, her full throated laugh and her devotion to family. May the love and memories shared sustain and nourish you. Love the Coz Family