Obituary of Anna Maria Sansotta (née Monteleone)

SANSOTTA, ANNA MARIA (née Monteleone)

Sunrise:  June 16, 1933 – Sunset:  March 25, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a truly remarkable wife, mother, nonna, and bisnonna.  Loving and devoted wife for 65 years to Domenico (2019). Cherished mother of Elena (2021) and Antonio Mariani, Filippo and Monica (née Dauncey) Sansotta, Josie and Rick Zannese, Tina and Christopher Bendo (2010), Nick Sansotta, and Angelina and Sam DeRose.  Lovingly remembered by Theresa (née Unis) Sansotta.  Proud and adoring nonna to Steven and Rasha (née Yacoub) Mariani, Tanya (née Mariani) and Nick Skaff, Adam and Alana (née Antogiovanni) Mariani, Anna Maria Jr. (née Sansotta) and Giacomo Calvaruso, Nicoletta and Matthew Bendo, Robert, David, and Kayla DeRose (1996), Domenic Jr. and Eva Sansotta.  Doting bisnonna to Tristan, Keira, Mariella, Majella, Marciano, and Matteo Mariani, Alexander Skaff, Gianluca, Giordano, and Gilia Mariani, and Vienna and Cristiano Calvaruso.  Treasured sister and sister-in-law to Domenico (2002) and Teresa Monteleone (1989), Giuseppe (2017) and Maria Monteleone, and Rocco (1975) and Elena Monteleone (2013), Cesare (2016) and Antonietta Sansotta, Josephine and Michele DiManno, Bruno and Gabriella Sansotta (2012), Devoted daughter to Giuseppa (1965) and Pietro (1986) and caring daughter-in-law to Filippo (1964) and Elena (1973).  Proud aunt of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  She will be sadly missed by many relatives and friends in Canada, the USA, Australia, and Italy.

Anna Maria was born in the small town of Ciminà in Reggio, Calabria.  She married her childhood sweetheart on January 10, 1954.  In 1958, she immigrated to Canada with her husband and three children.  Though it was difficult to leave her homeland and loved ones behind, she embraced the belief that her children would benefit from the opportunities Canada could provide.  The family grew as three more children were born in Canada.  Anna Maria worked extremely hard as a wife and mother of six children as well as working outside the home to help provide for her family.  She worked in several nursing homes and eventually retired from Dana Manor.  Anna Maria was an excellent cook and enjoyed inviting family, friends, and neighbours to share her delicious homemade meals.  She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, embroidering, cross stitching, reading, and writing.  Anna Maria was extremely talented, often creating works of art with a crochet hook and cotton thread as her medium.  She loved to sing and was often heard singing while she cleaned her home.  Anna Maria was a very wise and highly intelligent woman who was often sought for her sage advice.  She was the consummate caregiver.  In addition to caring for her family, she selflessly cared for countless people throughout her life never asking for anything in return.  Her heart and her home were always open to anyone who needed a meal, a place to lay their heads, or just a need to be heard.  Spending time with her family and friends meant so much to her.  Through her living example, she imparted the importance of unconditional love, forgiveness, perseverance, and resilience.  Her devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as the special bond she shared with her brothers, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law are a testament to the depth and breadth of her love and commitment.  Throughout her life, she touched the lives and hearts of many.  She had a big and generous heart and became the adopted nonna to many of her grandchildren’s friends.  Mom, thank you for all that you have given us and instilled in us.  Thank you for your love that you shared unconditionally.  We are truly blessed to have been loved by you.  We love you forever and always.  Sei sempre nei nostri cuori. 

Visitation at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel) 11677 TECUMSEH RD E. Windsor, ON. on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Parish prayers Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Funeral services Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 10 a.m. from the funeral home, then to St. Angela Merici Church, 980 Louis Ave. for funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with Anna Maria’s family at www.windsorchapel.com