Vittoria Ricci
May 28 1930 – January 14, 2021
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Vittoria. She passed after a valiant fight for her life on January 14th, 2021. That was her way, ever strong, ever resilient, ever brave. She was left a widow after her husband Vittorio of 35 years passed. As the eldest of seven she took on the role of a loving, devoted mother, along with her own mother, to her siblings, Serafino deceased, (Elisabetta d.), Antonino d. (Filomena d., Frances), Americo d. (Maria), Ilde d., Maria and Candida (Frank d.) as well as her own children Claudio (Gloria) and Evelisa (John) and her grandchildren, Oriana (Finn), Davina and Ryan, and her in law Guerino. She will be sadly missed by all including her many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.
Vittoria was born in a small town in Abruzzo. She married Vittorio in 1953. Soon afterward he went to France where he worked in the mines so he could support his family. Vittoria and their daughter would not see him for the next three years when she immigrated to Canada in 1957. After a long sea voyage she was reunited with her husband and made a life here. When they felt more financially secure they had another child, a boy, and their small family was complete.
At a young age Vittoria learned the art of the seamstress and she developed it with precision and expertise as she did all her tasks. She designed and sewed her own clothes, for her siblings, her daughter and her granddaughters. She always excelled in her field. She could make something out of nothing and make it beautiful. Whatever work engaged her, she did it wholeheartedly. She continued this work in Canada which helped support not only her small family, but the family she had left behind in Italy.
Her family described her as a mother to all. Her devotion to family was tireless, always for their benefit at her own expense. She, wanted the best for them. This was her greatest gift, her ability to love unselfishly, sacrificing her needs for that of others. She loved nature, collected rocks and shells, kept her own garden, planted flowers and vegetables, and tended them vigilantly. There was nothing that could not be asked of her that she would not do whether it was for family or friends.
Though she was not greatly educated by society’s standards, she was a wise, compassionate, empathetic and intelligent woman. She tried to be open minded and she was willing to learn, often engaging in philosophical discussions. Oftentimes, she would record wise words she’d heard and she kept them on bits of paper that could be found around the house. It was her way of studying, learning, growing, teaching.
She, like all of us was not perfect, but this was true of her, she was always well intentioned and her actions were always for what she believed was for the best for all.
She suffered a great deal in her life not in the least in these last last few years. But she also experienced much joy especially in raising children, whether they were her siblings, her own or her grandchildren.
For all that she was to her family, friends and all who knew her, we are grateful for her presence in our life. Her legacy to us all was her unfailing love, devotion and commitment.
Memories of her will be cherished. She will always be admired, loved and dearly missed. May her spirit find rest and may she live forever in our thoughts and in our hearts.
We, the family wish to extend our gratitude to the staff at Downsview Long Term Care and Villa Colombo for the care they extended to Vittoria during her residence there.
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Due to the current Covid 19 pandemic the family will be having a private funeral service on Friday, January 22, 2021. The service will begin at 1:00 pm. Please feel free to click the link below to view the service on our live stream broadcast. The link will become active 10 minutes before the service. Thank you.
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Evelisa and the Ricci Family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and are thinking of you during this sad and trying time. Vittoria may be gone from here, but she will always be in your heart and thoughts. May she Rest In Peace.
With Sincere Condolences,
Eddie and Linda Lucarelli
Linda and Eddie, thank you for your message of condolences.
My condolences to the family and friends of Vittoria. May her spirit be at peace. She was a beautiful woman who took full contentment and love with her family and did not want for anything else.
Thank you for your message of condolence. E.
Our condolences on the passing of Vittoria. Evelisa, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Thank you for your message of condolences. E.
Evelisa, Claudio and to all the Ricci family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the happy memories bring you some comfort at this difficult time. Deepest condolences,
Thanks for your message of condolence. E.
Cara zia Vittoria, sei stata davvero una donna straordinaria. La tua forza e determinazione ti hanno permesso di vivere una vita piena.
As the eldest of 7 siblings, you set an example and paved the way for a better life for yourself and your family. They all made that important decision to explore different countries and cultures and start their own families. I thank you for helping my mother start her new journey in Canada. One which ultimately allowed me to be able to say these words to you today.
My fondest memories as a child were the simple, yet most impactful ones. Christmases at your home taught me the importance of family, especially large Italian ones like ours. These memories I will keep with me forever. They allow me the opportunities to share them with my daughter Abby. I am so grateful that she was able to know you, and how important you were in my life.
I am grateful for your kindness and positive advice, but most thankful for your home-made pizza and desserts!
Your life may not have always been the easiest at times, however, your strength, determination, intelligence and kindness have allowed you to live your life with courage. All of these qualities shone through you and made a great impact on myself and my family during your 90 years with us. You were, and always will be loved and cherished by all those you’ve kept dear to your heart.
On behalf of myself, Abigail, your sister Maria, brother in law Guerino, Luciano, Dianne, Mitchell and Matthew, we love you and will miss you.
Our sympathies and prayers to Evelisa, Claudio & Gloria, Oriana, Davina and Ryan.
XO
Thank you for your message of condolence. E.
Sorry for your loss. Zia will be ever so missed. She was a very strong woman filled with love and compassion.
Rest In Peace.
Luciano, Dianne, Mitchell and Matthew Lolli
Thank you for your message of condolence. E.
To all those who sent messages before they were posted, I have received them and am grateful for your messages of condolences. E
Deepest condolences to the Ricci family. She will be missed…….😔