Maria Concetta Marasco (nee Buragina) age 90 years passed away peacefully with her family by her side on November 7th, 2018. Maria was born on March 26th, 1928 in Curinga, Catanzaro, Italy. Maria was married to Francesco (Frank) Marasco on October 31st, 1953. Together they immigrated to Canada crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Queen Atlantica arriving in Halifax, December 9th, 1954 and ultimately arriving to their final destination the City of Port Arthur on December 13th, 1954. Maria and Frank recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Maria and Frank had five children; Rosemarie, Robert, Loretta, Salvatore and Mary who in turn blessed them with 9 grandchildren. Maria’s main interest was looking after the needs of her growing family. Later on in life, with her children grown up and starting their own families, Maria enjoyed some limited travelling, attending Bingo at the 55+ Centre and St. Anthony’s Church, as well as regular and frequent trips to the local charity casino. She was often seen walking near her house in College Heights visiting nearby friends, taking trips downtown to Eatons, Safeway, and occasionally visiting the St. Andrews Dew Drop-In where she made numerous acquaintances. Maria was employed as a kitchen helper at both the Prince Arthur Hotel and Italian Centennial Hall performing various kitchen duties and cooking. Maria was a member of the Italian Society of Port Arthur, Catholic Women’s League, and a member of St. Anthony’s R.C. Church.

Maria will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband Frank, children Rosemarie, Robert (Carol), Loretta (Kirby), Salvatore, Mary (Jeff); grandchildren Ashley (Tyler), Brittany, Taylor, Jessica, Alanna, Alex, Justin and Matthew; Great grandchildren Joey and Nicholas, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Maria is survived by one sister, Anita (Curinga, Italy) and one brother, Michelangelo (Mike). Maria was predeceased by her parents, Pietro and Maria Carmela Buragina, sister Ortensia, brothers Nick and Domenic Buragina, son-in-law Brian MacKenzie, daughter-in-law Michelle Marasco, and grandson Nathan Richter.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to all of the wonderful and dedicated medical and nursing staff at the TBRHSC in the Emergency and ICU departments as well as personal support workers from the LHINs/CCAC who helped provide care for our mother over the last few years.

Funeral services for the late Maria Marasco will be held on Monday, November 12th, 2018 when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church on Hilldale Road for the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filipiini. The interment will follow in St. Andrews Cemetery. Visitation for family & friends will be held on Sunday, November 11th, 2018 from 2-4 pm in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 North Court Street, where the vigil service will begin at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations to the St. Andrews Dew Drop-In or the TBRHSC Cardiac Cath Lab would be appreciated.

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