elevated IjBny February 20, 1942 – April 17, 2021

elevated IjBny After a long, tenacious battle with cancer, which she faced with dignity, courage, and equanimity, Raffaella passed away in her 79th year on April 17th, 2021 peacefully and at home, surrounded by her family.

elevated IjBny Raffaella was the cherished wife of Orazio (Ross) her husband of almost 49 years, the beloved mother of her two boys Francis and Robert (Jessica) and proud Nonna of her baby granddaughter, Michelle. She is survived by her mother-in-law Francesca Caldarola, brother Vito Burdi (Carmela), sisters Maria Aston and Filomena Iapaolo, brother-in-law Nick Cirone and sisters-in-law Grace Spinello and Mary Salerno. She is predeceased by her parents Diego and Angela Burdi, her father-in-law Francesco Caldarola, her sister Chiara Cirone, sister-in-law Filomena Crocitto and brothers-in-law Guido Iapaolo, Nicola Crocitto, Vince Spinello and Charles Salerno. Raffaella will be remembered lovingly by her many nieces and nephews and their children, relatives in Italy, the US and Venezuela, and the many friends she treasured.

elevated IjBny Raffaella was a strong, spirited and fiercely independent woman, of faith. As a young child she immigrated with her family from Grumo Appula, Bari in Italy to Toronto and worked for many years as a secretary at the CBC, and then later as a bookkeeper in the grocery business founded by her husband and brother. Throughout her life Raffaella enjoyed spending time with her family, appreciating nature through her many gardens, and travelling with her husband throughout Canada and around the world. She was an active member of parish life at St Mary Immaculate Catholic Church.

elevated IjBny The family wishes to thank Dr Brian Berger, nurse Ellie Houshmandi and the many personal support workers for their professionalism, dedication and compassion during Raffaella’s final months. As well, the family thanks Dr Matilda Ng and all the staff at the chemo room at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the many doctors and nurses at Sunnybrook Hospital for all their support throughout the years.

elevated IjBny In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Diabetes Canada, or to Covenant House Toronto.

elevated IjBny Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic measures, a private Funeral Mass and Entombment will be held the morning of Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 10:30 am in the Chapel of St. Joseph, at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home. Online viewing of the mass can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SERVICE

elevated IjBny