Maria Domenica Apa
elevated 21NIC July 3, 1936 – February 25, 2026
elevated 21NIC Visitation
Monday, March 2, 2026 from 12:00 – 4:00 & 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4H 4Y8
elevated 21NIC Funeral Mass
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:00 noon – Chapel of Our Lady of Consolation (located inside the funeral home)
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4H 4Y8
elevated 21NIC To watch the funeral Mass livestream, click here
elevated 21NIC Entombment
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4H 4Y8
elevated 21NIC Obituary
elevated 21NIC It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Domenica Apa born July 3, 1936 in Torre de Ruggiero Catanzaro Italy. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Vincenzo, her parents, her siblings, dear friends and relatives.
elevated 21NIC She will be lovingly remembered by her children Lorenzo (Tammy), Graziano (Rose), Domenic (Gilda) and Mary. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Maryann( Domenic), Vincent(Vanessa), Vincente (Anna), Caroline (Richard), Alia, Selena, Celeste and Bianca, and her cherished great grandchildren Matteo, Christian, Marco, Christopher, Milena, and Sophia. She also leaves behind her sisters in law, brothers in law, many nieces and nephews and her dearest friends.
elevated 21NIC Her passing leaves a void in our hearts that can only be filled with the treasured memories we were blessed to share with her. Maria devoted her life to her family and to caring for others. She always welcomed loved ones with a comforting meal, an espresso with her delicious cookies or something from her beautiful garden. She had a passion for gardening, creating a garden that flourished with life, much like her home.
elevated 21NIC Maria’s presence will be missed but her spirit will always live on in the memories she leaves behind. In lieu of flowers donations, may be made to Hospice Vaughan.
elevated 21NIC
Forever in our hearts, we will never forget the strength and wisdom.
You were the Matriarch of the family. You were full of love for everyone around you. Beautiful inside and out. You will never be forgotten. Pray for us all. Nick and Nancy Apa and family.
Our Deepest Condolences, May she Rest in Eternal Peace
Lorenzo Domenic, Graziano,Mary and family members, our deepest sympathies for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Commare Nuzza will forever be remembered as she was our moms God child. R.I.P Commare Nuzza.🙏🙏
Nonna Maria was a woman of deep faith, love, and devotion to her family. She was truly the glue that held us all together. Prayer was part of her everyday life, and she taught us the true meaning of strength, kindness, and trusting God through everything.
She was one of the strongest women I have ever known, especially when you consider the difficult life she had growing up and the strength it took to raise her own family. At a younger age, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced it with incredible courage and determination. She fought hard and beat it. Then, a year and a half ago, at 88 years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia and once again defied the odds when her body went into remission.
Over time her body grew tired, and she made the courageous decision to stop treatment because it had simply become too much. With the same faith that carried her throughout her life, she placed everything in God’s hands.
Nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were her whole world and the light of her life. Every hug, every kiss, every phone call meant everything to her. Being their Nonna was her greatest blessing and her proudest role.
Nothing brought her more joy than feeding the people she loved. Her riceballs, just to name one thing, were legendary in our family. The second that silver bowl with the lid hit the table, it did not matter where we were or what we were doing. Everyone suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Children, grandchildren, even the quiet ones, all diving in like it was the last meal on earth. There was always a dramatic fight over the last one, and somehow she acted surprised every single time. No one will ever be able to replicate them, no matter how closely we watched or how many times we asked for the recipe.
She also loved her vegetable garden. It was not just any little garden. It was huge. She could have fed an army and more. Even after my grandfather passed away, she continued to garden on her own. No matter how much her body ached, she still managed to get out there and get it done. That garden was her pride and joy, and no one ever left her house without bags of fresh organic vegetables in their hands.
When she wanted a break from cooking, her favourite place to eat was Mandarin. The smile on her face whenever Mandarin was mentioned was priceless. It was like she had just won the lottery.
But more than anything, I will miss the talks we shared. The long conversations, the stories she told over and over again, the lessons woven into them, and the laughs that filled the room. She had a way of making ordinary moments feel special. Sitting with her, listening to her stories, and laughing together are memories I will cherish forever.
I could go on and on, but this would become a never ending book.
In her final days, she showed the same strength and grace that defined her life. She was in and out of sleep, but still made sure to tell us to go eat, go home, and take care of ourselves and our families. She always worried about everyone else before herself.
Up until the very end, she made her own decisions. She planned everything the way she wanted it, chose her viewing outfit, and even asked for a few extra outfits to be placed in her casket so she could change when she gets up in heaven. She waited to see all her family and friends and knew when she was ready to go. She faced everything with courage, faith, and dignity.
My heart is broken and in pieces, but I find comfort knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her loved ones who went before her, and resting in God’s arms.
Thank you, Nonna, for every sacrifice, every prayer, every meal, every story, and every hug. I will carry your love with me forever.
As Nonna would say to me all the time, “Coraggio. La vita continua.”
Riposa in pace, Nonna 🤍
Until we meet again.
You always had a warm smile in my memories back on Garnet Ave. My condolences go out to the family and friends.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. She was such a wonderful lady and an amazing neighbour. I will always picture her in the garden with my mom, chatting, laughing, and enjoying the simple moments together. Those memories are very special and will always stay with us.
She had such a warm and kind presence, and she brought so much joy to our lives as neighbours. In fact, my mom never wanted to move house because having Maria next door felt like having a sister close by. That’s how special she was to us. Their friendship meant so much, and it was beautiful to see the bond they shared.
It was truly a pleasure and a blessing to know her. She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the chance to spend time with her. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time, and keeping you in our hearts.
Sending my deepest and heartfelt condolences. May she rest in peace.
Our Deepest Condolences, May she Rest in Eternal Peace🙏🙏