elevated YSa1v July 4, 1937 ~ September 3, 2026

elevated YSa1v Visitation
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00pm  
Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5

elevated YSa1v Funeral Mass
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5 

elevated YSa1v Entombment
Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
7300 Highway 27, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1A5

elevated YSa1v Memorial Donation
Heart and Stroke Foundation

elevated YSa1v Obituary

elevated YSa1v “Le madri prendono per mano I figli per un breve periodo, ma i loro cuori per sempre”

elevated YSa1v It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Maria Funaro on September 3, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, at the age of 89. Born on July 4, 1937, in the hilltop town of Frigento, Italy, Maria’s life was defined by an unwavering devotion to her family and a heart full of unconditional love.

elevated YSa1v Predeceased by her devoted husband of 58 years, Nicola (2021). Loving mother of Lidia (Domenic) and John. Fiercely proud and adoring Nonna to Daniel and Cristian, who brought immense joy to her life. She is survived by five siblings, Pasquale (Monica), Michele, Caterina (Pasqualino), Elio (Isabella), and Silvia (Silvio) who, alongside an extended circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, will lovingly remember her.

elevated YSa1v Maria immigrated to Canada as a teenager in the late 1950s in pursuit of a better life. She settled with her family in Toronto and soon began perfecting skills as a seamstress; she became exceptionally talented at her craft over the years and gave her time freely. Maria’s world revolved around her home and her family. Her greatest joy came from nurturing those around her, especially her adoring grandchildren. To them, she wasn’t just Nonna: she was a source of endless hugs, a playmate, a baker of treats, and a safe harbour in a big world. Her days were often filled with cooking favourite meals, baking traditional Italian sweets, tending to her vegetable garden and rose bushes, and in later years, babysitting. Maria poured her heart into her passions; spending countless hours sewing, knitting beautiful pieces, and keeping traditions alive that preserved a lifelong connection to her Italian roots and heritage. Though she will be deeply missed, her gentle soul, caring nature, and kind spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

elevated YSa1v Peacefully reunited with her beloved husband, she leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience. A legacy which lives on in the warmth of shared memories.

elevated YSa1v In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Maria Funaro to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.