Antonietta Baldesarra

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It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Antonietta Baldesarra (nee Venditti). Peacefully after a long and arduous journey she has joined her loving husband in Heaven. She was born in Vinchiaturo Molise, Italy on August 25, 1937 and is the youngest of seven. She came to Canada at 18 years of age with her mother following all her siblings. After a few years in Canada she met our late father, (Italo) Roberto Baldesarra, and they married in 1963. She leaves behind her loving children Enza (Tony) DiBenedetto, and Sandra (Paul) Garibotti, and 5 cherished grandchildren, Marcanthony, Matthew, Sara, Madison and Erica.

Antonietta was loved by all, as her nature was sweet, kind and compassionate. Although she was always trying to manage her own pain and illness, she always had the ability to make people feel at ease and comforted. Anyone who ever met her immediately felt her gentleness and kind spirit and she has a special place in the hearts of those who knew her and held her dear. She nursed her husband back to health following a debilitating stroke, and then battled her own struggles after being diagnosed with MS in her mid-40’s . Although confined to a wheelchair for the past 33 years she fought valiantly during the course of her illness and even helped raise her grandchildren creating an incredible bond between them. She often told us, I haven’t been a good mom (her thoughts not ours), but I was a GREAT Nonna, and her grandchildren would absolutely agree, as do we all. She was so very proud of each and everyone of them and loved them fiercely.

Mom’s family was everything to her, including all her siblings. She was the youngest of seven. She was raised by a single mother and never knew her father who perished in WW2. Her three brothers, Michelangelo, Libero, and Franco were the father figures that modeled strength. Her sisters Christina, Maria and Carmela demonstrated patience and kindness. She had a special connection with all her siblings, but none as strong as the connection she had with her sister Carmela, who truly was her best friend and in some ways soul mate. Born only 14 months apart they had a bond that carried them through their lives. Carmela was mom’s protector, but also her inspiration. She was also had a special bond with her sister-in-law Filomena and especially in the last few weeks both were always present in mom’s mind, speaking to them everyday, telling them she loved them.

For the past 6 years she resided at Villa Colombo Vaughan and again found friendship and closeness with other residents and her caregivers. No matter what life brought, our mother was always able to keep her sense of humour, make all around her laugh and forget their troubles even for a moment. She took pride that even in her most challenging times her hair and lipstick always had to be perfect We are so very grateful that we were able to spend time with her and hold her hands as she left us. Grieving is always difficult, but we take comfort in knowing that her suffering is over and she is at peace. Her legacy is one of love, strength and beauty.

Given these challenging times a private funeral will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2020, however a true celebration of life will be held at a later date when we are able to be together to give mom the proper send off she so very much deserves.

If you so desire, donations can be sent to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada or your own personal charity of choice. As my mom would always say as we would leave; “be good.”

Should you wish to donate, please follow this link

https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/DonationPage.aspx?eventid=247179


Please be advised there is 10ppl max permitted in the funeral home or at the cemetery.
For further information on directives from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario please click the link below:
https://thebao.ca/covid-19-update-links