elevated IW2S0 August 18, 1924 ~ April 7, 2020

elevated IW2S0 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Michelina Cianciotta, on Tuesday April 7, 2020 at her home in Vaughan, Ontario.  Our Mom, passed peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side; she was predeceased by her husband Francesco Cianciotta in 2001. 

elevated IW2S0 Devoted mother to her children, Maria (Giovanni) Novielli, Frank (Jennifer) Cianciotta, and Enza (Paul) O’Donnell and loving grandmother to Domenic (Maria) Novielli, Siglia (Giulio) DiBattista, Michela (Marco) Guglietti, Frank Novielli, Nicholas Cianciotta, Lauren Runnalls, Michael Cianciotta, Megan (Liam) Edwards, and James (Melanie) O’Donnell. Michelina was a proud great-grandmother to Angel Connie, Sofie, Simona, James, Giulian, Arianna, Christian, Gianni, Lucas, Anastasia, Braeden and baby Edwards.

elevated IW2S0 Lina, as she liked to be called, was born in Sannicandro Di Bari, Italy on August 18, 1924, shortly after the end of WWI.  She was one of 7 siblings and was raised in a one room house by a single mother, our beloved Nonna Angelina.  Needless to say she came from humble beginnings.  She was fortunate enough to be working as a house keeper for a wealthy family in Bari during WWII.  The family treated her like one of their own daughters and while working there she learned how to read, write, proper etiquette and gained a strong appreciation for family.  Family were people you cared about or people in need, they did not need to be related…the war taught her that.  At the age of 22, she met and married the love of her life, Francesco.  Lina moved to Toronto with her daughter Maria in 1952, shortly after our father Francesco, who emigrated here in 1950.  Once established, Francesco and Lina opened their home on Berkley Street as a boarding house to new Italian immigrants.  They helped dozens of families establish roots and start a new life in Canada.  Their home was always full of laughter, love, good food and lots of wine for everyone!  Lina will fondly be remembered by many extended family and friends for her kindness and generosity.

elevated IW2S0 Lina led a wonderful but simple life.  She was full of energy and referred to as Nonna Dynamite.  She loved to walk, to socialize, meet new people, travel, dance, but most of all she loved her family; she would always put our needs, our wants, and our wishes before her own.  Her warmth, energy and spirit lives-on in all of us.  We are saddened to not have her here with us any longer…she was our Mamma Michelina!  She will be missed, and her spirit lives on in all of us.

elevated IW2S0 She left us yesterday, on what would have been our Dad’s 92nd birthday, and in her 96th year.  Our only solace is that her passing was peaceful and that she left us to reunite with the love of her life and dance with him on his birthday. 

elevated IW2S0 Due to the unprecedented circumstance surrounding the COVID 19 pandemic, the family will be gathering for a private visitation and service.  The funeral mass will be held on Thursday April 9th at 10:30am and will be available by webcast. Should you wish to participate, please reach out to one of the family members for the link and password.  Feel free to share any stories and memories you may have of Lina and offer condolences to the family online in the comments section below through this website.

elevated IW2S0 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to “The We Love You Connie Foundation” or The Sick Kids Foundation in honour of Lina and her love of children. 

elevated IW2S0 If you would like to view a video of Mamma Michelina’s 93rd birthday celebration, please click on this link.