Maria Di Simone
elevated cJ1b4 May 14, 1947 – August 25, 2026
elevated cJ1b4 Visitation
Wednesday September 2, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated cJ1b4 Funeral Mass
Wednesday September 2, 2026 at 12:00pm
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated cJ1b4 Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved member of our close-knit family. On the evening of August 25, 2026, surrounded by her beloved husband, Franco, her daughters, Tina and Laura, and her sister, Gina Baiani, Maria DiSimone passed away peacefully at home.
Maria leaves behind her devoted husband of almost 60 years, Franco DiSimone, and her beloved daughters, Tina DiSimone and Laura Lane (Kevin). Maria was a proud and loving Nana to Hunter (Noelle), Parker, and Spencer, who brought immense joy and happiness to her life. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Maria was born on May 14, 1947, in Elce, Cortino, Teramo, Italy. In 1953, she and her family immigrated to Moncton, New Brunswick where she lived until she married and moved to Ontario with the love of her life.
Maria spent her career working for the Ministry of the Attorney General as a courts administrator. Of all her many accomplishments, Maria was proudest of the loving family she built, both by blood and by choice. Those she held closest to her heart knew the strength of her love, her fierce spirit, and the unwavering support she gave so freely.
Maria was the third child of the late Emidio and Lucia (Marini) Baiani and beloved sister of Sr. Gina Baiani (NDSC) and the late Italo Baiani (Janet). She will be deeply missed by her many brothers and sisters-in law, nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Maria found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an exceptional cook, and her kitchen was truly her happy place. Whether baking fresh bread or preparing a special meal, everything she made was done with love. Gathering around her kitchen table was about far more than sharing a meal—it was where stories were told, laughter was shared, and memories were made.
Love you more.
A Tribute to Your Beloved Mother….
“And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
William Shakespeare
“My heart goes out to you and your family.”
Our Condolences and Prayers…
♡ Marilyn,Scott & Family
This picture is how I will always remember Zia Maria. A woman full of life, ambition, and love. She had such a huge presence and she has made an impact on so many who loved her that will last a lifetime. So many life lessons she taught through her own experiences, choices and mistakes. ” She left us like an angel”. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Our hearts hurt with you all. Comare Maria started out as a neighbour, then a close friend, then a god-mother, then our chosen family. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, her sense of humor, her beautiful smile, and her amazing cooking. We are all sending much love and peace to Compare Franco, Tina, Laura and the whole family. She will truly be missed, but we are blessed to have had her in our lives. xoxo Antoinette, Danny, Steve, Liana and Easton.
Franco and Family.
We are sorry for your loss—our condolences and prayers are with you. I have happy memories of the times spent with my late parents, Nicola and Nice Di Tommaso, they always valued your friendship.
R.I.P. Maria, you will be missed.
Lina & Claudio (Di Tommaso) Capobianco
Zia, you were so much more than my aunt and Godmother — you were truly my second mom.
You had the most loving and caring heart and would do anything for the people you loved. You had a way of making everyone feel special, and with you, I always knew just how much I was loved.
Some of my most treasured memories will always be the times spent together as a family. Your home, your incredible cooking, and the love you put into everything brought us all together. Food was one of the many ways you showed your love, and no one could ever cook quite like you.
I will miss your love, your warmth, your presence, and simply knowing you were there. I feel so blessed to have been loved by you and to have had you as my Zia, my Godmother, and my second mom.
I love you always, Zia. You will forever be a part of me and will live on in all the beautiful memories you gave us. Until we meet again. ❤️
Our deepest sympathies for your immense loss. May her memory be eternal 🙏