Iolanda Bellafante

With broken hearts we announce the passing of our dear, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Iolanda Bellafante died peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital the age of 96.

Predeceased by our beloved father Tommaso. Loving mother to Gianfranco (Barbara), Marisa (Angelo), Grace (Peter), Mary Antoinette (Joe) and Richard (Linda). Much loved Nonna to her 11 grandchildren, Julianna, Desiree (Lenny), Christine (Basil), Stephanie (Rob), Amanda (Charles), Sandra (Mario), Daniela (Andrew), Laura, Alexandra (Josh), Victoria, and Richard-Thomas. Adored by her 12 great-grandchildren, William, Gabriel, Carmen, Ethan, Christian, Sofia, Ella, Jacob, Luca, Summer, Francesco, and Christopher.

Our mother was a strong woman who loved her family with a passion. She was a great cook and baker who took pleasure in cooking Italian dishes for her family and preserving tomatoes. Mom had many talents which also included knitting, crocheting and embroidery. A talented seamstress, she always made our beautiful clothes growing up. She also loved to oil paint and took pride in always looking her best. She will remain forever in our hearts.
Mom was born in Francavilla al Mare, Provincia di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy on January 28, 1925. She met our father at the age of 14 when she went to work at a pasta factory. They endured WWII and married in 1949. They immigrated to Canada in 1953 and raised 5 children. They both had a hard life but they were made from hard stock and got through them together with love.
She taught us all to be strong in our faith and love for each other and we truly feel blessed to have had such wonderful parents. United in love and now in heaven, we’ll miss always and forever ❤️❤️