It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mrs. Maria Pucci, aged 75 years, announces her peaceful passing while in hospital at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on the morning of January 31, 2017.

Maria was born to Rosaria and Nicola on June 16, 1941 in the quaint town of Grimaldi, Italy. Maria travelled with her family to Canada in February 1959 where they entered at the Augustus dock of New York Harbour. They then continued their journey to Port Arthur, Ontario, to their new home. It was here that she met the love of her life Ernesto.

Maria had many talents. She was an amazing cook and baker. Her passion was to have her family, grandchildren, friends and relatives enjoy these tasty meals as they gathered in her home for everyday and special occasions. Maria was an extraordinary seamstress. She had a talent and vision for transforming a simple piece of cloth into works of art. She was at peace when she was sewing and enjoyed making her family and friends happy with this talent.

Maria’s faith and Italian heritage was always an important part of her life. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League of St Anthony’s parish. Maria thoroughly enjoyed her time spent as a member with her daughter Anna.

Maria is survived by her loving husband Ernesto. This union of marriage spanned 55 years of their life together. She is also lovingly remembered by her children Mike (Suzanne), Sergio (Holly), Nick (Laura) and son-in-law Rob Kowalchuk. Maria is also remembered by her grandchildren Justin, Mitchell, Brittany, Katelyn, Milana and Michael.

Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed by her sister Nella (Orlando Coccimiglio), and brothers Antonio (Elizabeth) and Frank (Laura).

She is also survived and will be lovingly remembered by in-laws: Maria Sanzo (Giuseppe), Rosaria Bennardo (Antonio), Emma Mantello (Guerino) and Ettore Vecchio.

Also left to mourn are nieces and nephews, godchildren, cousins and close friends that will deeply miss her.

Maria was predeceased by her only daughter Anna Pucci-Kowalchuk, her parents Rosaria and Nicola, her mother and father in law Anna and Michele, her sister Emilia Foresta, her brother-in-law Giuseppe Foresta and her sister-in-law Giuseppina Vecchio and various other relatives.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 leaving the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street, at 1:00 p.m. to St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 1:30 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. The entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for friends will be held on Friday, February 3rd from 5- 7 p.m. with the Vigil Service beginning at 7 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital ICU. Online condolences may be offered at www.sargentandson.com

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