Obituary of Maria Teresa Belcastro

Maria Teresa BELCASTRO (nee. OLIVERIO)

March 23, 1931 - February 24, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mom and nonna.

Born in San Giovanni in Fiore, Italy, she was, at times, a true “Calabrese”. Growing up she experienced many hardships and challenges during her earlier years, World War II, the depression, and at the tender age of 19, nursing and losing her mother. In spite of this, her inner strength, deep seeded Catholic faith and unwavering unconditional love for her parents, brothers and sister, set the stage for the woman she would become.

Her ability to grow a beautiful vegetable garden, produce the family wine, calabrese sausages, preserves, and olives, was fostered by the tireless treks to the family land, and working it alongside her immediate and extended family. It was at this place, “la vigna” where she found her love of song, learned countless Italian proverbs, story telling and family history. Her unmatched Italian homemade bread was nurtured by the many loaves she baked at the outdoor ovens. Here, not only did her love of being outside all day, cultivating flowers and making delicious homemade meals become an innate part of her, but her ability to work hard everyday without complaint, doing her part for the greater good, and the understanding of the true gift of time spent with loved ones.

She married and soon had two young children. Being a loyal and devoted wife, she became that part of that strong and courageous generation with nothing but hope in their hearts and determination to build a better life for her family. In November 1965, she crossed an ocean with two small children landing in Nova Scotia, Canada to join her husband, leaving behind her family and everything in Italy for them. She carried that resilience and that deep devotion to family with her and everything she did came from love for her family.

In Canada, she became the quintessential matriarch, built and contributed to a new life with her husband and his family, rekindled and developed new lifelong friendships, and navigated new customs and language. She was extremely humble, an absorbent learner, fearless, respectful and respected and would genuinely impart her resident and newfound knowledge, wisdom, support and assistance, selflessly. A new chapter had begun and new memories created including the birth of a new child, the marriages of her children and blessings of grandchildren.

In life, she had earned the right to teach you a lesson with a proverb, use her quick wit and sarcasm with a smile, be feisty to the core, insist on not being nagged while nagging and balancing that with unconditional displays of affection and tender sweetness, singing her favourite songs and practicing her unwavering faith. She did not mince words when appropriate and was at peace with who she was, knowing she had given her very best for her family, friends and community in the eyes of the Lord.

She is survived by her children, Domenic and Vivian, Rosa and Carl, and Maria, grandchildren, Salvatore, Francesca and Sofia, her sister-in-laws, Assunta and Rosaria, many nieces, nephews, family and friends in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Michigan, and Italy.

She is joyfully reunited and at peace with her husband, Salvatore, father Giovanni, mother, Maria, brothers and sister and their spouses, Francesco and Maria, Luigi, Angela and Antonio, and in-laws, Giovanni and Caterina, Giulia and Salvatore, Maria Rosa and Rosario, Francesco, Francesco Verardi and nephews, Domenic, Salvatore and Domenic.

A very special thank you to her healthcare team, Dr. James DeSantis, Dr. Asfor, Dr. Hasan, the IDA Pharmacy, Steve, Joe, Kaitlyn and Laura, mom’s nurse of three years, Catherine, the Hospice Team , and Sara Brockman her Care Coordinator for their dedication, care and compassion.

Arrangements entrusted to Windsor Chapel Funeral Home (CENTRAL) 519-253-7234, 1700 Tecumseh Rd E. Windsor ON. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 2:00pm-5:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm with Parish prayers at 4:30pm. A second Visitation will be held Monday, March 2, 2026 from 9:30am -10:15am at the Funeral Home. Procession to St. Angela Merici Church, 980 Louis Ave, Windsor ON. for a Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Entombment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery, 5005 Howard Ave. LaSalle ON.

Donations in Mom’s name can be made to Padre Pio in care of, Convento Frati Minori Cappuccini, “Santa Maria delle Grazie”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, or Santa Gemma in care of, Monastero delle Pasioniste - Santuario S. Gemma, Lucca Italy.

Online Condolences and Cherished Memories may be shared to www.windsorchapel.com