It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, and matriarch, Maria Carmela Garreffa, who left us peacefully on March 30th, 2025, at the age of 93. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Rocco, and their cherished son, Giuseppe (Maria). 

Born in Cirella, Reggio Calabria, Italy, Maria, and her devoted husband immigrated in 1958 to Canada in search of a brighter future. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with hard work, sacrifice, immeasurable love, and a determination that would shape generations to come. As the heart and soul of her family, she dedicated herself tirelessly to her husband, children, and grandchildren. 

Maria was the epitome of strength and grace. Her love was boundless, and her devotion to her family was unwavering. Through her nurturing spirit, she instilled in her children and grandchildren the values of respect, perseverance, compassion, and the importance of family. She taught them not just with words, but with every action and every moment spent together. 

Her kitchen was where love and tradition flourished. Cooking was more than a passion for Maria; it was her way of expressing love and dedicating herself to creating a home where her children and grandchildren would always feel safe, supported, and cherished.  She was also a talented seamstress, mending clothes and creating beautiful pieces for her loved ones. Each stitch reflected her love and care, bringing joy to those she cherished. 

Maria will be deeply missed by her children, Antonio (Caterina) and Nicolino (Giovanna),  her beloved grandchildren, Elisabetta (Jason), Vittoria (Amir), Rocco (Jennifer), Maria (Quentin), Elisa (Nicholas) and Amanda, her great-grandchildren, Roman, Hope, Theodore, and Léon as well as her sisters, nieces, nephews whose lives were touched by her warmth, wisdom, and generosity. 

A visitation will be held at Urgel Bourgie / Athos - Complexe funéraire St-François d'Assise 6700 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H1M 3E3 on April 8, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mission Maria Ausiliatrice 8550 Av. Joliot Curie, Montréal, QC H1E 4H7 on April 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. followed by the crypt entombment at Le Repos Saint-François d’Assise . 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. 

May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy will continue to guide and inspire us all.