elevated oY70a May 27, 1951 – July 22, 2023

elevated oY70a Visitation
Monday July 31, 2023  2:00 – 4:00 pm & 6:00 -8:00 pm

elevated oY70a Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6

elevated oY70a Funeral Mass
Tuesday August 1, 2023 at 10:30 am                                  

elevated oY70a Chapel of St. Joseph- Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home

elevated oY70a View Funeral Mass

elevated oY70a Entombment

elevated oY70a Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery

elevated oY70a Obituary

elevated oY70a It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maria Degli Angeli (nee Peligra), beloved mother, sister, zia and friend, who courageously fought a battle against cancer. She peacefully left us on July 22^nd, 2023 at the age of 72. She was surrounded by her loving family during her final moments.

elevated oY70a Maria is predeceased by her husband Francesco (Tony) Degli Angeli (1946-1995).

elevated oY70a She is survived by her two adoring sons Salvatore (Sam) and Michele (Mike), loving siblings Teresa, Angela and John, many nieces and nephews and several first cousins in Canada and Sicily, Italy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

elevated oY70a Born in Pachino, Sicily in 1951 to Francesco and Carmela Peligra, Maria was 14 years old when she and her family immigrated to Toronto, Canada.

elevated oY70a Maria learned English and began her working years as a factory worker in Toronto.

elevated oY70a In 1980 she met Francesco Degli Angeli and immediately fell in love. They went on to be married for 14 years and raised two strong and loyal children together. After the tragic loss of her husband at the tender age of 48, Maria dedicated her life to raising her two children as a single mother.

elevated oY70a Throughout her life, Maria embraced the values of family, love, and tradition.

elevated oY70a These principles became the foundation upon which she raised her children.

elevated oY70a A true family woman, Maria was incredibly proud of her two sons. She loved them dearly and was always eager to share their successes with family and friends. Maria was also a beloved aunt, affectionately known as “Zia Mary” by her many nieces and nephews. Her kindness, compassion and giving spirit has made an impact on the lives of many and she was adored by all who knew her.

elevated oY70a Maria had an insatiable passion for cooking, and never missed an opportunity to showcase her culinary skills. Zia Mary’s homemade lasagna and cannelloni were always the highlights at family events and special occasions. Her homemade tomato sauce and meatballs were crowd pleasers, and Christmases were a family affair preparing her traditional Sicilian “impanate” and “lolli” together from scratch. She shared her love through her cooking and nothing made her happier than bringing everyone together to enjoy it.

elevated oY70a Her family will miss spending hours with her around her kitchen table drinking coffee, listening to her candid stories and honest advice. She was sure in her opinions; had a sharp personality and could always make you smile! 

elevated oY70a Outside of family, Maria also shared a passion for gardening. She loved flowers of all kinds and spent many summers tending to both her flower and vegetable gardens.

elevated oY70a Maria was meticulous. She kept a beautiful home inside and out and took pride and pleasure in personalizing her space to reflect her. She loved opening her home to family and friends to host gatherings. She was a social butterfly, and enjoyed working at The Bay where she made many new friends.

elevated oY70a Her journey through life was marked by resilience and strength in the face of adversity; first as an immigrant, later as a young widow and single mother, and finally in her two-year battle with cancer.

elevated oY70a Maria will always be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and her willingness to always help anyone in need.

elevated oY70a Though our hearts are heavy with the grief of her loss, we take comfort in knowing she has reunited with her beloved husband, to whom she always remained devoted.  May their souls rest in eternal peace. Forever loved, forever cherished, and forever missed.

elevated oY70a Family and friends are invited to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

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elevated oY70a View Funeral Mass