Embraced by the prayers and love of her family and friends, Raffaela peacefully passed into the arms of God on Sunday, September 15, 2024. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, nonna, comare, and friend.
Born in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, to Giuseppe and Brunina Larizza, Raffaela was the eldest of five children. During the wartime years, life presented numerous challenges. Even as a child, Raffaela shouldered significant responsibilities, including caring for her younger siblings and preparing meals for the family as well as the workers on the family farm. When her youngest brother, Salvatore, was born, Raffaela left school at the age of 8 to become his primary caregiver, allowing her mother more time to manage the farm. Then, at just 12 years old, she regularly accompanied her father to La Silla, a logging camp, where she took on the tasks of cooking and laundering for the workers.
A visit to her friend Marietta, who was preparing to move to Canada, marked a pivotal moment in Raffaela’s life. When Marietta’s brother, Antonio, welcomed Raffaela and her mother at the door, an immediate connection was felt, at least from Antonio’s perspective; Raffaela neither confirmed nor denied feeling the same. Over time, they both knew they were destined to build a life together. They married on February 8, 1959. Soon after their wedding, Antonio travelled to Port Arthur, Canada, with his brother, Nazzareno. Raffaela, along with their son Bruno, joined him there in 1960.
Raffaela and Antonio made their home in a close-knit community surrounded by family and friends, where they welcomed four more children into their lives: Rosarina, Giuseppe (Pino), Antonio (Tony), and Sabrina. Raffaela dedicated herself to raising her children with a strong sense of faith, culture, and Italian heritage, enriching their lives with her sense of humour, unique expressions, and timeless wisdom. She exemplified respect, love, kindness, humility, empathy, a strong work ethic, enthusiasm, integrity, and courage in all that she did.
Understanding the challenges of transitioning to a new country, Raffaela and Antonio also provided many family members and friends coming from Italy with a place to stay until they found more permanent accommodations. Even with the little they had, they selflessly and generously shared everything they could.
Living by the philosophy of dolce far niente, Raffaela found happiness in life's simple joys. Each year, she carefully preserved the harvest from Antonio’s Garden and helped craft homemade wine, soppressata, prosciutto, sausages, and jarred tomatoes. She took immense pride in preparing meals for loved ones and even strangers, revelling in the opportunity to share the fruits of her labour. Her warmth, hospitality, generous spirit, and sharp sense of humour created an inviting atmosphere in her home where everyone felt at ease. The table was always full, and every dish was served with love for all to savour.
While Raffaela found her greatest fulfillment and pleasure in her roles as a wife and mother, she also worked outside the home for several years. She was first employed at Tee Kay, a denim company, and later worked as a cook at the Avila Centre. Additionally, she was a dedicated member of both the Catholic Women's League and the Ladies of the Italian Society of Port Arthur.
Raffaela’s unwavering love for her family and her vibrant, joyful presence will forever remain in our hearts. The immense void she leaves behind is indescribable. She will be deeply missed by her son Bruno, daughter-in-law Victoria, and their children Thomas, Madilyn, and Olivia; her daughter Rosarina and son-in-law Saverio (Sam); her son Giuseppe (Pino), daughter-in-law Lucy, and their children Anthony and Kyra; her son Antonio (Tony), daughter-in-law Teresina, and their children Adam, Andrew, and Christina; and her daughter Sabrina, son-in-law Scott, and their children Maia, Ava, and Noah.
Raffaela is survived by her sister, Maria Federico, and her husband, Salvatore; her brother, Rosario Larizza, and his wife, Maria; her brother-in-law, Giuseppe Vallelunga; her brother-in-law, Cosimo Tassone, and his wife, Immaculata; and her sisters-in-law, Bruna Larizza, Gina Tassone, and Giuseppina Tassone. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who have shown her great respect.
Raffaela was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Antonio; her father and mother, Giuseppe and Brunina; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bruno and Maria Rosaria; her sisters, Rita Larizza (in infancy) and Serafina Vallelunga; her brother, Salvatore Larizza; her sisters-in-law, Rosina Caruso, Nazzarena Pelaia, Filomena Tassone, and Marietta Larizza; her brothers-in-law, Nazzareno Tassone, Giuseppe Tassone, Nazzareno Larizza, Bruno Caruso, Domenico Pisani, Bruno Larizza, Salvatore Pelaia, and Salvatore Tassone; and her great-niece, Serafina Vallelunga. We find comfort in knowing that they are reunited once more.
A funeral service celebrating Raffaela’s life will be held on Monday, September 23, at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. The Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by entombment at Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BujoS5gwLKM. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 22, at Sargent & Son Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the vigil service beginning at 4:00 p.m.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Raffaela’s name to the TBRHSC Foundation - ICU (Intensive Care Unit) Fund at https://www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/memorial to help fund the purchase of Cough Assist machines, which will provide comfort to those with respiratory conditions.
-Le mamme sognano, le mamme invecchiano, le mamme si amano, ma ti amano di più.-
A Note of Appreciation from Raffaela’s Children
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Raffaela over the years. Your kindness and generosity have been a great comfort to us, and we will always treasure and remember your thoughtful gestures.
A special note of gratitude goes to the healthcare workers, volunteers, and personal support staff who devoted themselves to Raffaela’s well-being and were committed to enhancing her quality of life.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
