Rose Marie Santagato

(nee Papalia) 

March 29, 1923 - December 9, 2024 

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful, feisty, and most beloved Mom and Grammy whose death we do not mourn, but whose 101 years of life we celebrate. She is now reunited with Chuck (2002), our Dad and the love of her life. 

Rose was the youngest of eight children born to Domenico and Domenica Papalia from Calabria, Italy who instilled the importance of family traditions and strong family values that she passed along to us. Rose was a devoted mother to Richard (Donna Burns), Ronald -predeceased, (Gina Fraccaro), Donna, (Eddy Battiston), Susan Savedra (Ian Lovatt), and Carol (Kim Davies). She was a wonderful and well-loved Grammy to 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, an adored aunt to her nieces and nephews, and will be fondly remembered by her friends. 

Mom would often reminisce about her travels with Dad, especially their winter Florida stays and trips to Italy, Greece, and Hawaii. After Dad passed, she accompanied us on trips and adventures, well into her eighties. 

Rose read voraciously, liked to beat us at Scrabble, did the crossword puzzle daily, and enjoyed a good martini. A fabulous cook and baker, she loved to entertain, making our home the hub of many family parties and celebrations, filled with music, dancing, singing, and laughter. Even amidst her many recent health challenges, she could still make us laugh with witty comments and outbursts of songs from Frank Sinatra and Gordon Lightfoot, to Janis Joplin! We will miss our Mom, her verve for life, and will remember her words of wisdom; “Everything in moderation.” 

The family wishes to thank all of the Richview Manor Retirement Home staff for their kindness and care over the past six years and to Anna, Megan, Sierra, Samara, and so many others who played a part in enriching her day to day life. Thank you to the Palliative staff at Mackenzie Health for their compassion. 

Donations may be made to the Covenant House or Mackenzie Health.