Pasqualina (Lina) Vitello
elevated 89BAt March 27, 1952 ~ July 20, 2023
elevated 89BAt Visitation
Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 pm
elevated 89BAt Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 89BAt Funeral Mass
Friday, July 28, 2023 at 10:30 am
elevated 89BAt Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated 89BAt Click Here to View the Funeral Mass
elevated 89BAt Entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated 89BAt Blessed Virgin Mausoleum
elevated 89BAt Reception
Following the Entombment at the funeral home
elevated 89BAt Obituary
elevated 89BAt Pasqualina (Lina) Vitello (nee Corsaro), age 71, of Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved daughters on July 20, 2023. She showed much courage in her endurance of leiomyosarcoma, bravely exploring every treatment option available. Loving widow of Joseph Vitello, wonderful mother to Connie (Jason), Nicole (Peter) and Ellie (Mike), she was the daughter of Nicolina Corsaro (nee Pirrotta) and Francesco Corsaro, cherished sister of Giuseppe (Mattia), Anna (Tony) and Giovanna (Peppino),and sister in law of Rosa Indelicato (Alfonso) and Sara Nalasco (Charlie), incredible Nonna to Finn, Jared, Mia, Joseph, Bowie and June, adoring aunt of numerous nieces and nephews, caring cousin, and loyal friend.
elevated 89BAt Lina was born in the small and scenic town of Scilla, Calabria, Italy. Her beloved mother passed away when she was just four years old. She spent a couple of years at the local monastery with her sister until her devoted father remarried and she was introduced to her loving stepmother, Domenica.
elevated 89BAt When she was 12, they landed in Canada in February of 1965, and so she embarked on an adventure to a new country with a new language and different customs. She immersed herself and joined the choir, made friends, and eventually graduated from Monarch Park Collegiate. Soon after, she began a job as a bank teller at a bank across from Honest Ed’s, which is where she met her husband. He was a client at the bank and was wowed by the beautiful teller with the big smile and kind eyes. According to our Dad, it was love at first sight.
elevated 89BAt They had a beautiful love story. They started their family life together in Forest Hill and ended up in Unionville, along with a cottage on Georgian Bay. They loved their homes and enjoyed entertaining family and friends on holidays and throughout the year. When Joseph passed in 1997, Lina moved to Markham. During the pandemic she decided to move closer to her daughters to the Toronto Beach neighbourhood, where she delighted in her lakeview strolls along Rosetta McLain Gardens.
elevated 89BAt Lina brought so much joy to the world. She gave her children and grandchildren unconditional love and her generous, nurturing nature also touched many relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbours. She would show up with trays of freshly made food, and always something for the furry friends too. She would give warm hugs and, when warranted, endow you with a religious relic or sprinkling of holy water. For those in need, she would make regular and generous donations and provide a compassionate ear for all.
elevated 89BAt She enjoyed the everyday moments of a truly wonderful life, the simple pleasures as well as fantastic family adventures, several trips to Europe and the Caribbean, across North America, the Hawaiian Islands and more. She supported her husband in the growth of his business and encouraged her daughters to be strong and pursue their dreams. She led by example. When she was a homemaker for 25 years, she took continuing education classes in the evenings. When she went to work at the age of 47, she learned to keep up with the new digital work environment. She worked at Desjardins (formerly State Farm) as a reliable and much appreciated Administrative Assistant for 20 years until the pandemic made it too tough to continue on the job.
elevated 89BAt Her retirement gave her more time to enjoy her treasured grandkids and they so appreciated her loving presence and generous presents. She also supported her daughters in pursuing their careers, keeping the kids entertained while they completed deadlines and set up their classrooms, and supported them at their soccer and hockey games, recitals, and equestrian exhibits.
elevated 89BAt Lina lived an authentic, happy, and selfless life with her family and friends. She loved living and it showed with her ongoing optimism, contagious enthusiasm, affectionate conversations, and candid humour. Her heart was as big and giving as was her beautiful smile. It’s a blessing to be in her tree of life.
elevated 89BAt In lieu of floral arrangements, donations can be made to:
elevated 89BAt The Daily Bread Food Bank – https://www.dailybread.ca
elevated 89BAt The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation – https://thepmcf.ca/donate/
elevated 89BAt In the case of floral arrangements, please avoid lilies, due to allergies. Thank you.
I remember your dear mom as far back to the age of six. She always had a big smile and greeted everyone with great respect and gentlenes. Living in Markham, she would from time to time come to my previous job to buy a few almond cookies which were her favorite.
I am very saddened by her passing and offer you all my deepest condolences at this very difficult time. Sending hugs and prayers 🙏
My she rest in eternal peace
Our heartfelt condolences to the family as cherished memories go back to her career at State Farm and the Desjardins organizations. Daily interactions always included a mixture of business and pleasure. Lina always brought delicious treats in and thankfully on one occasion was an able seamstress coming to my rescue as my pants developed a sizeable embarrassed rip. In short order they were fixed and I could come out of my office without the door closed! Lina, rest in peace.
Dear Connie Nicole and Ellie
My condolences for your loss. Your Mom was such a great friend. Even during her illness she was selfless and always made herself available. She was one day late to wish me a Happy Birthday and on July 8 sent me a text to apologize for the 1 day delay .she will forever be missed. She always spoke of how proud she was of her daughters son in-laws and grandchildren .i will forever miss your remarkable Mom. Rest In Peace my Angel . Now you are with your beloved Joe forever
What a beautiful reflection of the tremendous significance of such a wonderful life. My love is with each of you.
May you be peaceful and free, Lina x
What a beautiful legacy. My husband, Ken, and I have warm memories of Lina. We are happy for our son Michael that he had such a caring person in his life and those of Ellie, Bo and June. Lina will be missed by so many. We regret not living closer but whenever we came together for family dos Lina was always so warm…wanting to know about you, never a word about herself.
I believe Lina is at peace, happily passing away at home with her sweet daughters all by her side.
Warm thoughts and prayers to all her lovely family.
Ken and Anne Craig
We were so saddened to hear of Lina’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family. May the beautiful memories you shared help you get through the difficult days ahead. Our Sincerest Condolences. God Bless.
What a full and vibrant life she had! It’s clear she will be dearly missed, but had a such a significant impact, that she will always be with you. Our love and thoughts are with you all.
Lina was one of a kind, she had a big heart and I loved her laugh. She became a very dear friend to me over the many years. I loved sitting with her during the summer concerts. We laughed and sand our hearts out. She loved her daughters and grandchildren. I light has gone out in my life
We got to know Lina at the Vitello Craig family get-togethers, and she couldn’t have been more lovely and wholesome. Although Lina was usually quieter at these gatherings, you knew she had stories to tell and her mind was full of wisdom and positive thoughts…I don’t believe she was one quick to judge or find fault, always with an open heart and a twinkle in her eye. Wish we’d got to know her better, but her spirit lives on in my sister-in-law Ellie and her sweet sisters, along with all of her grandchildren of course. No question she will find peace in heaven with the love of her life. Rest easy, lovely Lina.
May her memory live on dear Lina. She will forever missed.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother ❤️.
Our deepest condolences Ellie, Nicole, Connie & your families. May the beautiful memories you have of her live forever in your hearts.
Dear Connie, Nicole and Ellie,
I was so saddened to hear of Lena’s illness and death.
I met Lena shortly after your dad’s passing and remember so clearly that while she herself was going through so many changes in her life, her smile, warmth and presence was something you could always depend on — her needs seemed always secondary.
I don’t think I ever heard Lena complain — I did hear her great love for her daughters and the tremendous pride she felt for each of you!
Life got in the way and we lost touch yet only a few weeks ago she came to mind and I tried to find her in Markham to no avail. As it turns out, she was closer than I ever could have imagined having moved down to the Beaches — only 10 minutes away from where I am now 🙁
As I write this and think of her, our short time together and our friendship — I feel such a sadness and loss for a connection that was so pure of heart ….. and yet I smile because I can still see her beaming smile and feel her positive energy.
Please know she continues to live inside each one of you — her legacy — her loves.
So much love is being sent your way 💗
Lina brought so much positivity and goodness to this world. We will all need to work extra hard to help fill that void. She just beamed as she talked about her family. Praying that Lina is very much at peace and watching over all of you. She will be missed by many.
Lina was a wonderful friend to my mother Connie. They were there for each other for many years. Lina has also been supportive of me with my many pains. Always a supportive word or verse. Never have I known such a beautiful
person. Rest now my
Love.
Our deepest condolences to all the family.
Ken and Maria De Lorenzo
My dear Lina, along with our mutual friend Connie Fierro, convinced me to join Weight Watchers at State Farm in 2014. By 2016 I went from 287 to 185 lbs. and got off all insulin injections and drugs. I remain 185 lbs. and insulin-free to this day. I will never forget how these two ladies impacted my health and life with daily smiles and encouragement. Between her unflagging faith in God, in family and in everyone around her, Lina helped and supported us all despite her own serious struggles in life. She was generous with her loving and caring heart. Her legacy is that Lina was, and remains, an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
I worked with Lina at State Farm/Desjardins for many years. She always had a smile on her face, and laughter in her voice. Lina had a very kind and gentle soul. I am fortunate to have known her. Rest in peace my friend.
Aunt Lina will forever live on through all of the lives she touched, including mine. Even tho it’s been many years since l’ve seen or spoken with her, her warm and caring voice is imprinted in my memory. The last time I saw her she was lovingly sharing words of wisdom and insight with one of her nieces. Always looking out for others.
I know this time is especially hard for Ellie, Nicky and Connie. I wish I could wave a wand so that you could bypass the pain of this tremendous loss. But when the love is so BIG, so is the heartbreak when there is loss.
In honour of Aunt Lina, the words of insight that I want to share are these:
* Reflect on the impact Lina had on your life and in your own way, give back to others the way she did. I will certainly try.
* Make time to see and talk with your cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, sisters, brothers and parents. This is something I’ve neglected over the years. Rather than living in regret, I’m going to take the time to reach out. Time is of the essence.
* Love wholeheartedly, even if it hurts when you lose someone you love, like Lina. One of the greatest gifts in life is to open our hearts and FEEL for others. Don’t hoard your capacity to love, it will transform your life and every life you touch.
Dear Nicole,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beautiful mother. I was saddened to hear of her death.
I work with Lina at State Farm and the Desjardins organization, I remember when she brought in delicious treats, I love to listen to her stories and talking about her grandchildren and her daughters. She always had the biggest heart for everyone, and the biggest smile. Even when she retired, we still keep in touch over phone, face time or we will go out for Lunch, we will always laugh and joke around. I will cherish those memories forever, She was more then a friend to me, she was like a 2nd mother to me, always looking out for me and making sure I am not causing any trouble. My condolences to Ellie, Nicole, Connie & your families. Lina, may you rest in peace..
My deepest condolences to Connie, Nicole, and Ellie and your families on the passing of your Dear mother (aunt Lina). May God be with you all and may He put His loving and comforting arms around you as you go through this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences to Connie, Nicole, and Ellie and your families on the passing of your Dear mother (aunt Lina). I can still picture her big, beautiful smile, she will always remain in our hearts. May God be with you all and may He put His loving and comforting arms around you as you go through this difficult time.
Lina was such a joy to be around. She made the office a happier place with her smile, her stories and her treats. She was so proud of her daughters and grandchildren and was always sharing funny stories about what the grandchildren were up to. You will be missed. Rest in peace Lina
I met Lina in Desjardins, she was one of the most positive and sweet people in the world, always sharing positive morning thoughts to make our days happier. Even after retirement and the pandemic she never stopped sending me messages and checking on me. She was a very special person, my deepest condolences to the family.
My deepest sympathy to Lina’s beautiful family. May God make it easy and grant all of you comfort during these difficult times.
Lina was loved dearly by me as she was not only a coworker who I have known from the first day at State Farm/Desjardins in 2010, but a kind, loving and caring friend. Her love, wisdom, advice, hugs and beautiful smile will always be in my heart and memories. There are not enough words to describe this beautiful soul.
Lina was very supportive when I joined Toastmasters. Her motherly love and positive personality helped me overcome my public speaking fears with confidence, and after she retired, our friendship continued to grow. She always thought about her family and friends, and kept you all in her daily prayers. May God bless Lina and grant her eternal peace.
Most sincere sympathies and condolences to Ms. Lina’s loved ones. Sending positive thoughts and prayers…
I never had an opportunity to work directly with Ms. Lina at SF/Desjardins.. But having been part of the same “office family” for so many years, we’d often run into each other and greeted one another on a daily basis. She was always such a joy to chat with, put a smile on your face and inspired you to be happy everyday! I looked forward to our mini chats and appreciated her dearly. A true gem, will forever remember her beautiful nature…
Ms. Lina, bless your soul and may you rest peacefully now in a tranquil, comforting place..
Thank you, Lina for befriending me in my time of need with your kindness, generosity and prayers. A stranger I was, yet, you opened your heart to me sharing in my distress. Your encouragement and advice was always well appreciated. I admire you for your resilience and cheerfulness even though all was not well with you. We were not acquainted for very long but it was enough for you to make a positive difference in my life.
Till we meet again my friend, may you rest in peace and joy eternally in the arms of our loving God. ✝️
My deepest condolences to your dear family who are so blest to have had you in their life.
Oh Lina,
I will miss you so much.
I met you many moons ago (20+ years) at State Farm where I was on a temporary assignment, and from the day we met we hit it off.
Even after I left we still kept in touch, and thank god for Whatsapp which kept us even more connected.
You were always there to send a kind word of support, encouragement or a prayer request for someone you knew.
I have lit many a candles in the church as a result , but the next candle is for you .
May your light continue to shine bright my friend.
Go in peace and share your smile and joy as you are received in the Kingdom.
I am so happy that I still have your voice messages , this way I will never forget your voice .
Until we meet again.
Your friend always
Susan
My condolences to all the family
Lina always was a dear friend to me when I worked at State Farm/Des Jardins
She always made me feel important and happy.
Her smile lit up the room
When ever I asked how she was she would say
Great and still good looking.
Lina will be sorely
missed
Good by my dear friend
A one of a kind lady who I will never forget. A person to be depended upon in any circumstance. The Lina I know is forgiving and she shared her love with everyone from the lowest to the highest (her love of God). We were and always will be close friends with so much in common due to life’s circumstances. I know to degrees, each of you daughters that Lina cherished and loved. She was so proud and pleased with your successes.
Sadly, I cannot take part in the celebration of her life with you all this week. However, I will be praying for a special time for the entire family and friends, because I know where she is and she suffers no more!
We were able, with our common interest in doing God’s work for the less fortunate, the lost, and the hungry, to share the success of others’ changing lives. For those who don’t know, my friend Lina did make a difference in many Iives. Many have and do live productive and service filled lives, because, Lina loved them unconditionally, and she put everyone of them ahead of herself. I’ve never met a more selfless lady!
Good bless you Lina
Your old friend,
Scott
Oh no? Dear Lina we’ve missed you, the Pandemic closed our mtgs and then you moved away. I’m forever grateful to you for your kindness and generosity shown to my single parent adult children and my precious grandchildren. So faithfully blessed then for
Christmas many years. 🙌
Sincere sympathy and condolences 🙏 to her family, especially her daughter’s and grandchildren she do cherished.
I have many, many happy memories of your mom/nonna.
One very special lady ❤
I’ve know Lina for many years through work, and she always had a huge heart and warm smile.
She would routinely bring in freshly cooked food for us, and we would always chat about winning the lottery and how we would spend the winnings!!
Lina was always willing to stop and chat about anything, she would light up when talking about her close family and grandchildren.
She was a great friend and her presence will surely be missed.
My condolences to the family and friends.
Dear Connie, Nicole and Ellie; We are so saddened to learn that Lina is gone. You and your families will miss her so much. We were grateful that she brought you to see us a few years back, as we had not seen you since you were children. Lina seemed so proud of what you had become and how she had taken charge of her life.If it weren’t for the kindness and generosity of your Mom and Dad over forty years ago,we probably would never have found this peaceful place on Georgian Bay to settle. Lina’s warmth and strength are what we remember and from what we can tell she was an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives. Treasure your memories of her. There is no avoiding the sense of loss you will feel. But have faith and trust that you will see her again in that next dimension . A soul like hers will transcend. Our deepest sympathy
Lina was so welcoming to me and my whole family, from the moment my brother Mike began his relationship with my beautiful sister-in-law Ellie. Lina always had the biggest smile and seemed to radiate love and warmth. It’s hard to imagine the struggles she faced over her life and still being able to get through them with such positivity and determination. Her generous and loving spirit clearly shines on through her incredible daughters. May she rest in peace and be remembered always.
Lina, i know you will like this comment from Heaven…”you are still as beautiful as ever”. Connie, Nicole and Ellie. I am so very sorry for your loss. My condolences to all dear friends and family of Lina. ( whom she spoke of so gratefully)We met on a retreat many years ago and quickly became lifelong friends. I will miss Lina dearly and am very sure that she adores the lovely tribute above. God bless you Lina and all your loved ones who are missing you so dearly. You lived a great life and shared your light with all who crossed your path.❤️ 🕯 🙏
My condolences to the Vitello family. I worked with Lina at Desjardins/State Farm for many years. She graced our lives with her warm and friendly presence. Lina had a kind heart and was friendly with everyone, we all knew and loved her. She always had a smile on her face and the most positive attitude. She will be missed by so many people as she touched all of us. May she rest in peace and remain in our hearts forever.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Vitello family. Lina was a regular devotee at St. Theresa Church in Scarborough and she will be missed. Connie, Nicole and Ellie, may our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. May her soul rest in peace.
I am deeply saddened by the death of Lina. She came into my life when we both needed each other the most. We gave strength, comfort, compassion, and encouragement to each other over the past few years. We enjoyed many meals together at our favorite restaurants and always tried new foods together. Lina was a great listener and friend and knew how to uplift me when needed. In return I prayed and interceded for her. We loved each other like two sisters. I have too many memories to mention. Her memory lives on in my heart and I am so blessed that God brought her into my life.
I love you always, your dear friend Carmela.
xoxo
I am very very sad that my friend Linda went away so soon. Lina was a pleasure to have her in my life. She was one of a kind, always with her kind words. Always there to support me and others with her kind words.
I still cannot think that Lina has gone on and of course to a better place. We sat together for lunch and enjoyed each other’s company.
Lina was one of a kind, always there to cheer us up even when we were sadenned. Lina just had the right words to enlighten us up.
Lina, you will be sadly missed by all your friends at Dejardins.Still cannot believe that Lina is gone.
Rip my dear Lina.