Laura Chimienti

On February 3, 2024, in her 99th year of life, Laura Chimienti (nee Racanelli) passed away. Laura was born in 1924 in Sannicandro di Bari, Italy.  When life took her from Italy to Toronto, Laura became the heart of her own family: her husband Raffaele, their son Angelo, and their daughters Carmela, Rita, and Antonietta. As her family grew, she became mother to her childrens' partners: Cathy, Ed, Steve, and Nick. As Nonna, Laura was loved dearly by her five grandchildren, Joseph, Alexandria, Brenna, Maggie, and Amanda.
This past year, Laura welcomed her first great-granddaughter, Angelina, bringing with her so much joy. Laura will join those she loved who passed before her, including her son Angelo, daughter Franca, siblings Maria, Ritella, parents Raffaella and Vito. She leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews. She is survived by her brother, Michele. 
Laura's garden and home were blessed with an abundance of fruit, vegetables, joy, and laughter. Laura’s kindness extended to her neighbours in York, as a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels and parishioner of Our Lady of Victory. In her later years, Laura had the unexpected pleasure of finding community and dear friends at St. Bernard’s Residence, where her love for nature propagated on frequent strolls with family and friends in the gardens. We can now imagine Laura in God’s heavenly garden, sowing seeds of love and kindness for eternity. Her memory will forever be ingrained in our hearts and in those she has touched throughout her life.
There will be a visitation held for anyone wishing to attend at Ward Funeral Home, Thursday February 8 from 4 to 8pm (2035 Weston Rd). A funeral service will be held on Friday February 9 at  9:30 in the chapel of St. Bernard’s Residence (685 Finch Ave W). 
Out of consideration for the residents, attendees are asked to refrain from attending if they feel unwell. As seating is limited, please inform the family your intentions to attend the mass. 
To watch Laura's Mass via Livestream please click the link below.
Click HERE to View Service
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Bernard’s Residence would be greatly appreciated by the family. http://stbernardsresidence.org/