Agnese Di Stefano

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Agnese Di Stefano, in her 93rd year. 

Beloved mother of Maurizio (Mary) and Sergio (Pina), proud Nonna to Daniela (Marco), Marco (Kate), Adrian, and Adam (Victoria), and adoring Bis-Nonna to Giorgia and Giovanni, Agnese was the last of her generation in our family. She was predeceased by her husband Fernando in 2015, her siblings, and her siblings-in-law.

Agnese was born on January 29, 1932, in Avezzano, Italy, when her father was briefly stationed by the Italian Railway before returning permanently to Rome as a baby. As the fifth of seven children, she lived her childhood during WW2 and experienced the horrors and tragedies of war, some affecting her immediate family.

Mostly home-schooled and educated, Agnese learned from an early age the importance of family and how to be resourceful, a skill she practiced her entire life.

In 1968 she embarked on a new chapter with her husband and children arriving in Toronto, Canada. With her domestic skills, she easily found work in sewing, leather crafts, and food preparation, all while maintaining an impeccably clean household and hosting family and friends for holidays and celebrations with her incredible homemade meals and baking. 

Agnese was happiest when surrounded by family at the table, engaging in conversation and humour, and sampling her many wonderful dishes and recipes.

Although gone from us, she will live in our hearts forever and be remembered in all we do. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate a life well lived, with purpose, kindness, and devotion.

Family and friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home (4671 Highway 7, Woodbridge) on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter's Parish (100 Bainbridge Avenue, Woodbridge) on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. Entombment to follow at Glendale Memorial Gardens (1810 Albion Road, Etobicoke).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Agnese's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

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