Mrs. Giuseppina (Nella) Colantonio
elevated 6JZIV The family of Giuseppina (Nella) Colantonio is sad to announce her passing on October 20, 2022 at the age of 92. Nella was born in Montelongo (Molise), Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1956. Nella is predeceased by her husband Frank of 42 years. She is survived by her loving children Angela (Michael) and John (Julie) and six grandchildren; Peter, Natalie, Michael, Sandy, Alicia and Patricia. Sister of Carolina, Giovanni, and Antonio Sabusco. Nella was known for her extraordinary energy, colourful personality, and ability to excel in all areas of life. She was a woman of high intelligence, a trailblazing entrepreneur founding her own shoe store that later transformed into Mister Safety Shoes with her late husband. She enjoyed the company of a large network of family and friends, including on her annual trips to Italy. Her ability to support others knew no bounds. She was a beloved wife, mother, nonna, Zia, and friend, who was always there with her love and support.
elevated 6JZIV The family thanks all her caregivers who supported her in her last few years of life.
elevated 6JZIV A private funeral will be held for the immediate family. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
elevated 6JZIV Donations can be made to support scholarships
elevated 6JZIV Frank and Nella Colantonio Award in Italian Canadian History at York University, https://giving.yorku.ca/Nella
elevated 6JZIV Frank and Nella Colantonio Graduate Fellowship for Italian Canadian Studies, University of Toronto
elevated 6JZIV https://uoft.me/8qz
elevated 6JZIV
elevated 6JZIV
John and the entire Colantonio family. Condolences from our family to yours. I have many fond memories of your Mom from our U of T days.
It is with great sadness I read this but what a woman she was; amazing that she could come to Canada and be so successful. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I will always remember that I had my first real iced tea from her kitchen ; none of the sweetened stuff from
stores. God bless her and all of you at this time of sorrow. Please hang on to all the fond memories to keep her spirit alive.
Sentite condoglianze.La sua scomparsa segna la fine di un’era.Quanti ricordi a Toronto,Montreal, Montorio e Montelongo.
Resterà sempre nei nostri cuori.
Please accept love and sincere condolences from the Ahmad family. We feel we are also part of the family and pray – John and Angela – that your dear Mum rests in peace. She led a wonderful life and did great things in her time.
So sorry to hear, our thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you at this
difficult time. We remember Nella with so much love and effection.
May she rest in peace in the Arms of Jesus!
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Love, Josey and Ralph Caruso
Dear Angela, John and Family,
We are saddened by the loss of your mom. We have many fond memories of her which we will cherish. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Nella.🙏
My deepest condolences for your loss. Thinking of you and hoping you find peace and strength in the days ahead.
May Nella rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Angela, John and their families. Zia Nella was a pioneer and trail blazer who lived life honestly and to the fullest. She left a legacy that will endure for many many generations. I was in awe and always respectful of everything she and Frank built as immigrants to Canada and their love for family. I was always impressed by how much reciprocal respect she and Frank had for my family. I fondly remember the dinner parties that lasted late into the night with singing and joke telling back in the early 60’s when they lived in Malton. A former life for some of us but all to say that her accomplishments did not change her. She was always the caring, thoughtful, fun loving, energetic and level headed lady who enjoyed being around and helping people. She will always remain in our hearts.
Commara Nella was and will always be my beloved Godmother. I have many fond memories of her including when she made my communion dress and when she nurtured me while I lived with the Colantonio family during a difficult time in my youth. She was loving and caring and always so thoughtful. I will miss our talks but she will always have a place in my heart.
To John and the entire Colantonio family our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother Nella. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. She will also be remembered as a remarkable lady that we had the pleasure of knowing and sharing great times with her during the Christmas parties for MSS. She will always have a special place in our hearts. May she rest in peace. The Aceto family.
Dear Angela and John, we are very sorry for the passing of your mother Nella.
We have a lot of memories with her and your dad,Frank, when they came to Italy and we passed great time all together. She was really fine and nice.
I personally remember the hospitality that I received from you when I came to Toronto.
To you and your families our deepest condolences. Nella continues to live in our memories and in our hearts.
Elvira, Filomena, Antonella, Manuela e Tiziana Varanese
To Angela, John and family, I offer my condolences for the passing of Nella.
I will always remember her hospitality and specially teaching me her intelligent way to cook the polenta. May she Rest In Peace
A John e Angela esprimiamo le più sincere condoglianze per la perdita della cara Nella che rimarrà nei nostri ricordi per la sua squisita gentilezza, eleganza e simpatia. Un abbraccio a voi e alle vostre famiglie da Dores, Lino e Francesca