Antonina Fusco

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Antonina Fusco at the age of 85 on Thursday, August 28, 2014. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by her four children. Antonina will now be reunited with her beloved husband, Pietro.
Loving mother of Rose Mattacchione (Giulio), Mary Alati (Umberto d. 2005), Josie Girardi (Eddi), and Joe Fusco (Sabrina). Loved and adored grandmother of Loreta (Anthony), Joe (Sonia), Patricia (Frank), Daniela, Ava, Stephanie, Eric , Daniel, Michaela, Peter and Adam. Cherished great-grandmother of Julia, Cristian, Joseph, Michael, Sebastian and Julian. Antonina was the treasured sister of Sam Battaglia (d. 1992) (Titi), Ignazia Caruso (Antonino), Maria Speciale (Angelo), Zina Longo (Tommy d. 2011), Tony Battaglia (Lucy), and John Battaglia (Julie). Beloved sister-in-law of Giuseppe Fusco (d. 2010) (Rosetta), Ignazio Fusco (d. 2001) (Giuseppina) and Sam Fusco (Rosetta).
Born in Termini Imerese, Sicily, Italy, on January 11, 1929 to Maria and Giuseppe Battaglia, Antonina travelled with her family to Canada in 1953 in search of new opportunities. It is here where her hard work, strength and determination allowed for her family to flourish. Antonina got her start by utilizing her seamstress skills to make costumes for the Ice Capades. She was a talented baker and cook and would whip up taralli, cocoa cookies and pizza for her grandchildren whenever they would ask. Her passion for food was later evident when she and her sister created the secret sausage recipe that has since been passed down and enjoyed by many. An avid walker, she would often be spotted heading to church on foot. Her strong faith gave her the courage to live a happy and fulfilled life. Her passion for family, food, faith and friends will continue to inspire those whom she touched. She will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank Alma Cabato and Racquel Cainag for their compassionate care. Visitation will be held at Ward Funeral Home, Woodbridge Chapel, 4671 Highway 7 (between Pine Valley and Islington), Friday, August 29 from 2 – 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 100 Bainbridge Ave., Woodbridge, on Saturday at 9 a.m. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street (at Hwy 407), Thornhill. In lieu of flowers, donations in Antonina’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
Please visit the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com.