Lorraine Pontarollo

Lorraine Celide Pontarollo

Our beloved Lorraine (nee Cantarutti) lost her courageous fight against cancer on December 12, 2022, at the young age of 67.

Born September 25,1955, in Toronto, Lorraine was the first of three daughters born to Antonio and Luisa Cantarutti.

While working at Pepsi Canada, she met Bob and within a month of their first date, he proposed knowing full well he couldn’t let this incredible and beautiful woman out of his sight. They married in 1975 and were true partners in every respect. Lorraine was instrumental in working with Bob to build their family business and was a driving force behind the successful life they built together.

For Lorraine, their greatest accomplishment was their only child, Andrea, whom they welcomed in 1979. Much more than mother and daughter, Lorraine and Andrea were true best friends. They spoke every day, and most Saturdays could be found together perusing the shelves of Homesense.

When her only grandchild, Bianca Rose, was born in 2018, Lorraine was the first one to arrive in the birthing room equipped with enough Tim Hortons to feed the entire floor. The sight of Nonnei never failed to make Bianca’s face light up with joy. Nonnei always had a surprise and the time to play and do crafts with her. Bianca became part of a strong female trio, with an everlasting bond.

Lorraine’s favourite word was “abbondanza”, and true to style she fed everyone until they could roll out the door. She loved a good party and was known for filling glasses to the brim. She lit up the room with her quick wit and ready laugh.

Lorraine had friends everywhere, from the cashiers at the grocery store to maître d’s at some of the best restaurants. Generous to a fault, she was known for her kind and giving heart and for always reaching out to help those in need.

Those who had the pleasure to know her often describe Lorraine as a force of nature. She possessed an inhuman like strength and unstoppable positivity that never left her. As only she could, Lorraine fought her disease to the end with bravery and determination, never thinking about conceding.

There are no words to express our sadness. The hole that has been left is deep.

Lorraine is survived by her husband Bob, daughter Andrea (Jeremy), granddaughter Bianca, mother Luisa, sisters Sandra and Lora (Joe), sister in law Nadia, nephews and nieces Ryan (Kortney), Nicole (Steve), Charles, Natalie and Lincoln.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Mrs. Pontarollo the family would appreciate a donation be made to Diabetes Canada.


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